The United States has imposed another round of sanctions on Cuban government officials and state-owned companies, further increasing economic pressure on Havana.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the latest measures target nine state-owned companies operating in mining, metallurgy and construction, along with Cuba’s Ministry of Construction and several officials.
Washington accused the targeted entities of supporting activities linked to the Cuban government’s political agenda and actions it considers harmful to US interests.
Rubio said the Trump administration would continue to use sanctions to pressure Havana, arguing that the measures are intended to prevent the Cuban government from financing what Washington describes as repression and hostile activities against the United States.
Cuba strongly rejected the new sanctions.
Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez accused Rubio of deliberately targeting Cuban companies and worsening the country’s already severe economic difficulties.
Havana warned that additional restrictions could further affect access to essential services as Cuba struggles with shortages of fuel, medicine and food.
The pressure comes as the island faces a deepening energy crisis. Fuel restrictions have contributed to widespread power outages, with some hospitals reportedly relying on emergency generators to maintain essential services.
The Trump administration has also expanded pressure on Cuba’s tourism sector, one of the country’s key sources of foreign income.
The latest measures mark another escalation in the long-running confrontation between Washington and Havana, with the US seeking greater pressure on the Cuban government while Havana warns that ordinary Cubans will bear much of the economic cost.
