Trump administration announces new sanctions on Cuba, escalating economic pressure

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced new sanctions against Cuba on August 20, designating nine organizations and three individuals as sanctioned entities. The measures were taken due to alleged harmful activities directed at the United States, according to Reuters. The targeted entities include the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP) and nine Cuban organizations, such as the Ministry of Construction.

These sanctions aim to counter Cuba's alleged support for a "vast subversive network" in the United States, which operates under the guise of educational or cultural exchange, as reported by Rubio. The secretary expressed concern that Cuba attempted to exploit Fidel Castro's 100th birthday to activate this network and recruit supporters in Havana to establish contact with government officials.

The Trump Administration stated that it would not condone the Cuban regime's efforts to fund repression or engage in decades-long anti-American activities. The deteriorating situation in Cuba began in January when Venezuela's oil shipments to the island ceased after the United States backed a coup that ousted Nicolas Maduro. With Maduro's deputy now in power, Caracas joined forces with Washington and severed Cuba's energy supply.