Cuba condemns new US sanctions as 'illegal' and 'abusive'

May 2, 2026

President Trump has signed an executive order imposing new sanctions on Cuban officials in key sectors like energy, defense, and finance, while also targeting those accused of human rights violations and corruption. The sanctions intensify existing US pressure on Cuba, including an oil blockade that has resulted in severe fuel shortages and widespread power outages affecting hospitals, transportation, and schools. Cuban officials, including Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez and President Miguel Díaz-Canel, have strongly denounced the measures as illegal violations of international law intended to punish the Cuban population.

Who is affected

Cuban officials in energy, defense, financial, and security sectors
The Cuban people facing fuel shortages and blackouts
Hospital wards, public transport systems, and educational institutions in Cuba
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel
Countries that trade with or provide oil to Cuba (threatened with tariffs)

What action is being taken

President Trump is signing an executive order imposing new sanctions on Cuban officials
The US is maintaining a blockade on oil to Cuba
Protesters are marching outside the US Embassy in Havana on International Workers Day
Cuba is negotiating with the US over relations between the two countries
Cubans are celebrating the 100th anniversary of Fidel Castro's birth

Why it matters

This represents a significant escalation in US-Cuba relations that directly impacts the daily lives of ordinary Cubans through widespread blackouts and fuel shortages affecting essential services like healthcare, transportation, and education. The sanctions and oil blockade threaten Cuba's economy and infrastructure while straining diplomatic relations despite ongoing negotiations. Trump's aggressive rhetoric about "taking over" Cuba and threatening third-party countries with tariffs marks a departure from recent attempts at diplomatic engagement and could destabilize the broader Caribbean region.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC