OFAC also sanctioned two other entities: the state-owned company GeoMinera and Empresa Siderúrgica José Martí (known as Antillana de Acero). According to the US government, both were included on the list because they generate revenue for Cuba through the exploration of the island’s mineral and metal reserves.
A CNN sent requests for comment to both companies and is awaiting a response.
“The situation in Cuba continues to deteriorate as the island’s corrupt, brutal and anti-American communist regime continues to prioritize its absolute control over the freedom, opportunities and basic well-being of the Cuban people,” said Rubio in commenting on the Cuban government.
On several occasions, Cuba has rejected these accusations and denied posing a threat to the United States. Weeks ago, Díaz-Canel stated that the North American government is betting on “” as one of the ways to pressure Cuba, with the aim of intervening on the island, which is facing a serious economic deterioration worsened by the scarcity of oil.
Both President Donald Trump and members of his government have declared several times that they consider a change of regime in Cuba necessary. Trump did not rule out the possibility of “taking control” of the country.
In a post on social media, Rubio also commented on the new sanctions and warned that any person or company that provides services to sanctioned entities runs the risk of suffering punishment. Furthermore, he urged foreign banks and other companies that maintain relationships with these entities to “immediately suspend these activities.”
Another member of the Castro family sanctioned
The United States government included among the sanctioned members of the Castro family Annalie Lilliam Rueda Cardero, wife of Alejandro Castro Espín, son of former president Raúl Castro, who had previously been the target of sanctions.
“These entities and individuals finance, facilitate or benefit from the regime’s harmful activities, both in Cuba and throughout our hemisphere,” Rubio said in a statement.
Weeks ago, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) had already sanctioned, in addition to Castro Espín, President Miguel Díaz-Canel; his wife, Lis Cuesta Peraza; his stepson, Manuel Anido Cuesta; and Raúl Alejandro Castro Calis, .
“Crime” and “relentless aggression”
Bruno Rodríguez, Foreign Minister of Cuba, commented on the sanctions and the Secretary of State’s statements in a publication on the social network X, in which he rejected the accusations.
“What this individual promotes from the greatest power in the world is a crime,” said Rodríguez, who classified Rubio as “dishonest and a liar.”
“He continues to adopt measures to tighten the siege on the Cuban economy, precisely when it has proven to be stronger, more capable and more effective than he expected in the face of the relentless aggression and collective punishment imposed on the Cuban people and their living conditions,” declared the chancellor.
