US sanctions more Cuban companies and officials

August 21, 2026

The United States has announced additional economic sanctions targeting Cuban state-owned enterprises and government officials, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The sanctions specifically target nine companies in mining, metals, and construction sectors, along with Cuba's Ministry of Construction and leaders of a Cuban friendship organization that hosts international visitors. Rubio justified the measures by claiming these entities promote Marxism and anti-American activities globally, with the timing coinciding with events marking Fidel Castro's centennial birthday.

Who is affected

Nine Cuban state-owned mining, metal and building firms
Cuba's Ministry of Construction
Officials at the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), including president Fernando Gonzalez Llort
Cuban government officials in energy, financial and defense sectors
Cuban citizens experiencing fuel, medicine and food shortages
Hospital patients and general population dealing with blackouts
Cuba's tourism sector and government revenue
International sympathizers and activists visiting Cuba

What action is being taken

The US is imposing a new round of economic sanctions on Cuban officials and companies
The Trump administration is conducting a wider pressure campaign against Cuba's leadership
The US is maintaining an oil blockade against Cuba
Hospitals in Cuba are using emergency generators due to power shortages

Why it matters

These sanctions significantly impact Cuba's already struggling economy and worsen critical shortages of fuel, medicines, and food for the Cuban population. The measures target key revenue sources including tourism and state enterprises, while also affecting basic infrastructure like electricity generation, which has led to frequent blackouts and rare public protests. The sanctions represent an escalation of US-Cuba tensions under the Trump administration, reversing the Obama-era diplomatic thaw and making it harder for the Cuban government to provide essential services to its citizens.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC