US tightens sanctions on Cuba, Iran, targets GAESA conglomerate UPDATED

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Cuba’s military-linked conglomerate GAESA, which Washington says controls around 40% of the island’s economy, along with its senior leadership and a joint venture involved in nickel mining.

The measures were announced by the Secretary of State and the US National Security Adviser Marco Rubio, Caliber.Az reports.

He said the restrictions were introduced under a recently strengthened unilateral sanctions framework against Cuba, following an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump on 1 May, which significantly toughened Washington’s long-standing embargo policy.

According to US officials, the latest action is intended to increase pressure on Havana’s economic and military-linked structures.

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The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has added five individuals to its Specially Designated Nationals (SDN) List, targeting figures linked to Iran-aligned militant groups in Iraq and under Cuba-related sanctions authorities.

Among those designated are Iraqi nationals tied to Hizballah-related financing channels and militia groups, including Asa’ib Ahl al-Haq and Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada, Caliber.Az reports.

The listings also include individuals subject to secondary sanctions under US counterterrorism authorities, reflecting Washington’s continued pressure on Iran-aligned networks operating in the region.

Mohammed Issa Kadhim Al Shuwaili has been designated alongside associates tied to regional militia-linked financial activity.

Ali Maarij Al-Bahadly and Mustafa Hashim Lazim Al-Behadili were also listed, reflecting their alleged connections to Iran-backed armed groups.

Additional designations include Ahmed Khudair Maksus and Ania Guillermina Lastres Morera, marking the inclusion of both Iraq- and Cuba-related targets in the latest round of US sanctions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev