U.S. Expands Sanctions Targeting Cuban Regime Affiliates
President Trump signed an executive order on May 1, 2026, broadening sanctions against the Cuban government and its affiliates. This measure includes asset freezes and travel bans, significantly impacting Cuba's energy, defense, and financial sectors amid ongoing economic turmoil.

The U.S. has intensified sanctions against Cuba, targeting foreign individuals linked to the Cuban regime. The May 1, 2026, executive order expands the scope of sanctions to include assets in the U.S., with a focus on sectors such as energy, defense, and financial services.
The asset freeze also extends to family members of designated individuals, allowing for secondary sanctions against entities facilitating transactions with them. These actions follow a series of restrictive measures implemented since January 2026, coinciding with the disruption of oil supplies from Venezuela.
The Cuban economy is projected to contract by 7.2% in 2026, exacerbated by power outages and fuel shortages. As the U.S. ramps up pressure, Cuba may seek alternative partnerships to counteract the sanctions' effects.



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