The United States has imposed new sanctions on Cuba President Miguel Díaz-Canel, marking another major step in Washington’s pressure campaign against the communist-led island.
The sanctions were listed on the US Treasury website on Thursday and are part of a wider effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to increase pressure on Cuba’s political and military leadership.
The latest measures also target Díaz-Canel’s wife and stepson, along with relatives of former Cuban President Raúl Castro. Castro, the brother of late Cuban leader Fidel Castro, was also recently placed under US legal pressure after Washington issued an arrest warrant against him last month.
Cuban Military Also Targeted
The new sanctions extend beyond individual leaders. Washington also targeted Cuba’s Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces, the Cuban military, and the Committees for the Defense of the Revolution, known as the CDR.
The CDR is responsible for monitoring activities described by the Cuban government as counter-revolutionary.
The US says Cuba’s communist government poses a security threat. The Trump administration has repeatedly accused Havana of working against US interests and supporting rival powers.
Trump Signals Stronger Action
Trump has continued to use tough language against Cuba. On Thursday, he suggested that after dealing with Iran, his administration could turn its focus back to the island.
His comments added to concerns that Washington may be preparing for even stronger measures against Havana.
The US has already enforced an energy blockade that has deepened Cuba’s economic crisis. The blockade has contributed to severe fuel shortages, long blackouts, and growing pressure on daily life across the country.
Díaz-Canel Condemns US Measures
President Díaz-Canel accused Trump of trying to intensify the blockade and create a more dangerous conflict between Cuba and the United States.
He said the new measures were designed to hurt the Cuban people and weaken the country. Díaz-Canel also said Cuba would resist what he called an imperialist attack from Washington.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez also criticised the sanctions, calling them an unacceptable act of intervention. He said threats against Cuba’s independence and sovereignty would only strengthen the unity of the Cuban people.
Cuba Faces Deepening Shortages
Cuba has been under a US trade embargo since 1962, but the Trump administration has sharply increased pressure in recent months.
The island has reportedly faced severe shortages of diesel for generators since January. As a result, many areas have experienced power outages lasting up to 22 hours a day.
Water shortages have also worsened, while food and medicine remain difficult to obtain. Cuba has become increasingly dependent on aid shipments from countries such as Mexico and China.
Trump Denies Trying to Force Collapse
Trump denied that the new sanctions were meant to push Cuba into collapse. He said the US wants Cuba to become a better-run country.
However, he also described Cuba as a country with no energy, no oil, no money, and worsening hunger. When asked whether Cuba was close to collapse, Trump said it had already partly collapsed and suggested his administration would address the situation after the war with Iran.
His remarks show that Cuba remains a key target in Washington’s broader regional policy.
Charges Against Raúl Castro Add Pressure
The sanctions come after the US announced criminal charges against former Cuban President Raúl Castro.
Washington accuses Castro in connection with the 1996 downing of two small planes operated by the exile group Brothers to the Rescue. The case has long been a sensitive issue between the US and Cuba.
The legal move, combined with the latest sanctions, has further worsened relations between the two countries.
US-Cuba Tensions Continue to Rise
The latest sanctions show that Washington is increasing pressure on Havana at a time when Cuba is already facing a serious economic crisis.
The US says its actions are aimed at Cuba’s leadership and security apparatus. Cuban officials argue that the measures are meant to punish the population and force political change.
With sanctions expanding, energy shortages worsening, and both governments using increasingly sharp language, US-Cuba relations appear to be entering another tense and uncertain phase.