Trump administration sanctions Cuba’s President Díaz-Canel and allies

The United States has imposed fresh sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife and several senior figures linked to the island’s leadership, escalating pressure on Havana amid worsening relations between the two countries.

The sanctions, announced on Thursday by the Trump administration, freeze any assets held by the targeted individuals in the United States and block dealings with American entities.

Among those sanctioned are Alejandro Castro Espín, son of former Cuban President Raúl Castro, along with his son Raúl Alejandro Castro Calis.

US President Donald Trump defended the move while speaking to reporters at the White House.

“The country is starving and it's got no energy, it's got no oil, it's got no money, it's got nothing. It's got a beautiful piece of land. You could have beautiful resorts,” Trump said.

Asked about Cuba’s future, he added: “It's sort of collapsed” and said “we're going to handle that as soon as we've finished” military operations involving Iran.

Cuban President Díaz-Canel condemned the measures on social media, accusing Washington of escalating tensions.

“These measures are aimed at reinforcing the blockade and escalating the conflict between Cuba and the United States,” he wrote on X.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said those sanctioned “direct or fund the regime and its efforts to mobilize its radical revolutionary movements in the United States and around the world.”