In a post on social media on Friday, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez said that “these measures are extraterritorial in nature and violate the United Nations Charter,” while asserting that the US “has no right whatsoever to impose measures against Cuba or against third countries or entities”. He added: “While the US government represses its own people in the streets, it seeks to punish ours, who are heroically resisting the attacks of US imperialism”.

The Cuban minister’s remarks came hours after the White House signalled a further hardening of its policy toward the Caribbean island. On Friday, Trump issued an executive order expanding sanctions on the Cuban government, according to two White House officials who spoke to the Reuters news agency. The move is part of an effort by Washington to ramp up pressure on Havana following the abduction of Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro in January by US forces, as well as Trump’s recent warning that “Cuba is next”.

The new US sanctions focus on individuals and groups that support the Cuban government’s security forces, according to Reuters. The measures also target those involved in corruption, serious human rights abuses, or anyone working as an official or supporter of the Cuban government.

It remains unclear exactly which individuals or entities are affected by the new restrictions. However, a White House statement said—without providing evidence—that the Caribbean island serves as a “safe haven for transnational terrorist groups”, such as the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. The Trump administration has recently threatened Cuba with military action in addition to increased economic pressure.

This year, Trump issued an executive order declaring a national emergency to address what the White House described as an “unusual and extraordinary threat” posed by the Cuban government. His measures established a framework to impose additional tariffs on any country that provides oil to Cuba, either directly or indirectly, effectively creating a fuel blockade on the island. This has further strained Cuba’s already weakened economy and imposed significant burdens on everyday citizens.

Frequent power outages have increased as the nation’s electrical grid struggles due to severe fuel shortages. This week, the US Senate blocked a resolution designed to prevent Trump from initiating military action against Cuba without first obtaining approval from Congress. The Republican-controlled Senate voted 51 to 47—largely along party lines—against the resolution. (Aljazeera)