U.S. sanctions Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel in latest pressure on its leadership The United States has imposed sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife Lis Cuesta Peraza, and three other individuals, including Alejandro Castro Espín and his son. This action is part of the Trump administration’s strategy to increase pressure on Cuba’s leadership, following an executive order expanding sanctions and an energy blockade that has severely impacted the island’s economy.

President Trump stated the sanctions aim for Cuba to be a “nicely run country,” highlighting its economic collapse, lack of resources, and potential for tourism. These measures freeze the designated individuals’ assets and bank accounts within the U.S., with Senator Marco Rubio asserting that those sanctioned direct or fund the regime’s activities.

Díaz-Canel, who succeeded Raúl Castro, has led Cuba into a significant economic and energy crisis, exacerbated by these heightened U.S. sanctions. His wife, Lis Cuesta Peraza, who works in the Ministry of Culture, and his stepson Miguel Anido Cuesta, were also included in the sanctions list.

• U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife Lis Cuesta Peraza, Alejandro Castro Espín, Castro Espín’s son Raúl Alejandro Castro Calis, and Díaz-Canel’s stepson Miguel Anido Cuesta.
• This is the latest move by the Trump administration to pressure Cuba’s leadership, following threats of military action and an energy blockade.
• The sanctions freeze individuals’ property and bank accounts in the U.S.
• President Trump commented on Cuba’s economic collapse and stated the sanctions aim for the country to be “nicely run.”
• Senator Marco Rubio stated that those sanctioned direct or fund the regime and its revolutionary movements.
• Alejandro Castro Espín is the son of former President Raúl Castro and Vilma Espín, and served as an adviser to Cuba’s Defense and National Security Commission.
• Díaz-Canel, who took office in 2018, has led Cuba during a severe economic and energy crisis, worsened by U.S. sanctions.
• The sanctions come after a previous round targeting other Cuban officials and a CIA visit to Havana with a message about potential engagement conditional on “fundamental changes.”