Back to mobile site

US imposes more sanctions on Cuba, including mining sector

August 20, 2026 2:21 PM EDT

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio looks on as members of the media raise their hands during a press briefing in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 5, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper/File Photo

WASHINGTON, Aug 20 (Reuters) - The ‌United States ​tightened ​sanctions on Cuba on Thursday, blacklisting three officials tied to a state-run organization that promotes Cuba's ties ‌with foreign solidarity activists, along with nine state entities ⁠in the metals, mining and construction sectors.

The sanctions targeted the leadership of ‌the Cuban Institute of Friendship ‌with the Peoples (ICAP) and designated entities including the Ministry of Construction of Cuba for supporting the island nation's government.

Secretary ​of State Marco Rubio accused ICAP of sponsoring what he called "a vast subversive network" in the United States under ⁠the cover of educational and cultural exchanges.

He said Cuba had recently tried to use ​events around Fidel Castro's 100th birthday to bring sympathizers to Havana and connect them with government officials.

"Today's ​designations make clear that the ‌Trump Administration will not tolerate the Cuban regime's efforts to fund its repression or continue its ⁠decades-long campaign of subversive anti-American activities," Rubio said.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez shot back in a post on X, accusing Washington of deliberately ⁠trying to damage Cuba's economy and block the government from providing basic ​services.

He said the measures would hinder shipments of food, medicines and medical devices, much of them bought by Cuban private small businesses, and ‌called the targeting of ICAP officials part of Rubio's "failed obsession" with Cuba.

Thursday's actions followed an executive ‌order by President Donald Trump in May that broadened sanctions against ⁠Cuban government officials, security ‌forces and their supporters.

(Reporting ​by Ismail Shakil and Katharine Jackson; Additional reporting by Kylie Madry; Editing by Rod Nickel and Alistair ‌Bell)



Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

You May Also Be Interested In





Related Categories

Reuters

Related Entities

Donald J. Trump