US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order expanding sanctions against the Cuban government and its affiliates, intensifying Washington’s pressure campaign on Cuba. The move targets individuals, entities, and affiliates accused of supporting Cuba’s security apparatus or involvement in corruption and human rights violations.
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According to White House officials, the new order broadens existing sanctions and allows restrictions to apply to foreign individuals or organisations operating in sectors linked to the Cuban economy, including energy, defence, financial services, metals, mining, and security. The measures also authorise secondary sanctions on those facilitating transactions with sanctioned entities.
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The latest sanctions come as the Trump administration continues a more aggressive foreign policy approach in the region. Officials say the measures are aimed at countering what Washington describes as threats posed by Havana’s alliances and activities. The administration has also cited Cuba’s alleged links with Iran and groups such as Hezbollah as part of its justification.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel strongly criticised the move, describing the sanctions as coercive and harmful to the Cuban population. Cuba’s foreign ministry also accused the United States of imposing collective punishment on the island during a period of economic hardship.
Analysts say the expanded measures could have wider implications for international businesses and financial institutions with ties to Cuba, particularly non-American companies previously shielded from direct US restrictions.
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The sanctions add further strain to already tense US-Cuba relations, which have remained difficult for decades amid longstanding political and economic disputes. Observers are watching closely to see how the measures affect regional diplomacy and Cuba’s struggling economy.