Washington announced a new sanctions package targeting Cuban President Díaz-Canel and members of his family and the Castro family, while tightening the oil blockade and restricting visas, as part of an escalating pressure policy adopted by the Donald Trump administration.
Published on: 05/06/2026 - 01:45 Last updated: 05/06/2026 - 13:08
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On Thursday, the United States tightened its sanctions on Cuba by including President Miguel Díaz-Canel and some members of his family, along with a number of members of the Castro family, as part of escalating American pressure on the island.
The list of names targeted by the sanctions included a son and grandson of former President Raul Castro (95 years old), who no longer holds an official position but remains a key figure in decision-making related to the future of Cuba.
Last month, Washington charged him with charges related to the downing of two civilian aircraft in 1996, while threatening the possibility of him being imprisoned in the United States.
The latest package of sanctions, announced by the US Treasury Department, included Díaz-Canel himself, his wife, and his son from a previous marriage, in addition to the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces and a number of other entities.
Read also: The CIA director visits Cuba and conveys a message from Trump to senior officials, and Washington intends to pursue Castro
It is noteworthy that the United States has imposed a blockade on Cuba for decades, but US President Donald Trump has significantly increased pressure on the island in recent months, speaking publicly about “controlling” it.
In addition to the blockade imposed since 1962, Washington imposed an oil blockade on Cuba in January, depriving it of supplies of crude oil, and only one Russian oil tanker, carrying about 100,000 tons, was allowed to reach the island in late March.
In another context, Havana announced in late May the receipt of a first shipment of rice amounting to 15,000 tons, sent by China, which pledged to provide 60,000 tons.
In 2025, Washington also imposed visa restrictions on high-ranking Cuban officials, including Diaz-Canel.
US President Donald Trump repeatedly hints that the Cuban government may suffer the same fate as Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who was overthrown by a lightning US military operation.
France 24/AFP
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