US imposes sanctions on Cuban President Díaz-Canel amid escalating tensions

The United States has imposed sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel and several family members, escalating pressure on the island nation's government. U.S. President Donald Trump declared Cuba a "failed nation" and expressed intentions for the Caribbean state to become an "orderly governed country," hinting at significant U.S. plans.

The sanctions, announced by the U.S. Treasury Department, place the 66-year-old president on a central sanctions list. This action freezes potential assets and prohibits business dealings with U.S. entities. Also targeted are Díaz-Canel's wife, Lis Cuesta Peraza, his stepson Manuel Anido Cuesta, and a son and grandson of former President Raúl Castro, identified as Alejandro Castro and Raúl Alejandro Castro, respectively. Raúl Castro remains an influential figure behind the scenes in Cuba.

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My gentlemen imperialists: We are absolutely not afraid of you.

These measures come as Cuba grapples with severe economic challenges, including persistent power outages and widespread supply shortages, which the article describes as one of the worst economic crises since the 1959 revolution. President Trump has repeatedly suggested the possibility of a U.S. "takeover" of the economically struggling country, stating on Thursday that Cuba had "basically already collapsed" and that the U.S. would address it after concluding its war against Iran.

Despite the increased U.S. pressure and sanctions, Cuban President Díaz-Canel adopted a defiant stance. "Gentlemen imperialists: We are absolutely not afraid of you," he declared. His administration has been leading the government in Havana since 2018, having risen through the ranks of the Communist Party and eventually succeeding his political mentor, Raúl Castro, in the top state position.

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We will take care of it once we are done (with the war against Iran).