Cuba rejects Trump sanctions as “collective punishment”

The Cuban government has strongly rejected new sanctions imposed by US President Donald Trump, describing them as “unilateral coercive measures” aimed at imposing “collective punishment on the Cuban people.”

In a social media post on Friday, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said the measures violate international law, as per foreign media reports.

“These measures are extraterritorial in nature and violate the United Nations Charter,” he said, adding that the United States “has no right whatsoever to impose measures against Cuba or against third countries or entities.”

He also criticised US domestic actions, stating: “While the US government represses its own people in the streets, it seeks to punish ours, who are heroically resisting the US imperialism’s attacks.”

The remarks came shortly after the White House moved to further tighten its policy toward Cuba. President Trump signed an executive order expanding sanctions, targeting individuals and entities linked to the Cuban government’s security forces, as well as those accused of corruption or serious human rights abuses.

The measures also extend to people and groups seen as supporting the Cuban government, though it remains unclear which specific individuals or entities will be affected.

A White House statement additionally claimed, without providing evidence, that Cuba serves as a “safe haven for transnational terrorist groups” such as Hezbollah.

The latest steps are part of a broader escalation in US pressure on Havana following the abduction of Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro by US forces in January, as well as Trump’s earlier warning that “Cuba is next.”

In recent months, the Trump administration has also threatened possible military action while increasing economic pressure. Earlier this year, Trump declared a national emergency over what the White House described as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” posed by Cuba.

New measures have included plans to impose tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, effectively tightening a fuel blockade that has worsened the island’s economic crisis. The shortages have led to frequent power outages as the country’s energy system struggles to cope.

Political tensions in Washington have also played a role. Earlier this week, the US Senate rejected a resolution that sought to prevent Trump from launching military action against Cuba without congressional approval. The vote was 51 to 47, largely along party lines.

By Tamilla Hasanova