US Taps Cuban Companies in New Sanctions Round

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced a fresh tranche of sanctions targeting nine state‐owned Cuban firms, the Ministry of Construction and the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP). The move is part of a broader U.S. strategy to pressure the Cuban government amid a sustained economic blockade.

The sanctioned entities include mining, metal and building firms, the Ministry of Construction, and officials linked to the ICAP, a Havana‑based institute that has historically promoted pro‑Cuban alliances worldwide. Rubio accused those targeted of "ferrying a new brigade of international sympathisers to Havana" during the 100th anniversary of former leader Fidel Castro.

Cuba’s foreign minister, Bruno Rodríguez, condemned the announcement, calling it a punitive step that will "harm the economy" and further hinder the government’s ability to provide basic services amid a critical energy shortage caused by the U.S. fuel blockade.

The United States has since the beginning of the year maintained an effective oil blockade against Cuba, prompting power shortages and emergency generators in hospitals. Persistent and often lengthy blackouts have sporadically sparked rare public protests in a country where dissent is generally met with severe penalties.

For context, Cuban officials and companies in the energy, financial and defence sectors are already under other sanctions, and tourism – a vital income source – has suffered significant declines in recent months. Rubin also warned that the new designations underscore the U.S. refusal to tolerate the Cuban regime’s alleged support for international communist movements.