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US imposes sanctions on Cuban president, Castro family members
🇸🇬 Singapore /Elections & Politics

US imposes sanctions on Cuban president, Castro family members

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The United States imposed new sanctions on Cuba's president, his family, and members of the Castro family.
  • These sanctions are part of the Trump administration's increased pressure on the Cuban regime.
  • Cuba's president accused the U.S. of strengthening the blockade and creating conflict, while U.S. officials cited concerns about Cuba's governance and economic conditions.

The United States intensified its pressure campaign against Cuba by announcing new sanctions targeting President Miguel Díaz-Canel, his immediate family, and several members of the influential Castro family. This move represents the latest escalation by the Trump administration against the communist government.

We'll take care of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and as soon as that's done, on our way back, we'll just make a little brief stop over.

— Donald TrumpAlluding to Cuba after discussing actions against Iran.

Among those sanctioned are the son and grandson of former President Raúl Castro, who, despite no longer holding an official post, remains a significant power broker on the island. President Díaz-Canel, his wife, and stepson were also included in the sanctions list, along with the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and other entities.

While Cuba has been under a U.S. trade embargo since 1962, President Trump has significantly increased pressure in recent months. These measures follow previous actions, including cutting off fuel supplies and threatening intervention. Washington claims Cuba's communist regime poses a threat to American security.

Writing on X, Diaz-Canel accused Trump of trying to 'strengthen the blockade and scenario of conflict between Cuba and the United States.'

— Miguel Díaz-CanelResponding to the new U.S. sanctions.

President Díaz-Canel denounced the sanctions, accusing the U.S. of attempting to "strengthen the blockade and scenario of conflict between Cuba and the United States." He vowed that Cuba would resist the "aggressiveness and perversity of the Yankee government." Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez described the sanctions as "vile" and predicted they would be met with "greater unity and determination from our people."

Cuba would resist the 'aggressiveness and perversity of the Yankee government' and 'the imperialist onslaught.'

— Miguel Díaz-CanelVowing resistance against U.S. actions.

President Trump stated his desire for Cuba to be "a nicely run country that can feed its people," while also noting the island's economic struggles, including shortages of food, energy, and money. He also commented on Cuba's potential for tourism. The ongoing fuel embargo has led to severe power outages and shortages of essential goods, creating what a UN representative described as an "explosive cocktail" given the approaching hurricane season.

The 'vile' sanctions would be met with 'greater unity and determination from our people.'

— Bruno RodriguezReacting to the U.S. sanctions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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