U.S. president orders fresh economic measures targeting Cuban banks and sectors; says U.S. will take control of island after resolving Iran situation.
11:19 AM
U.S. President Donald Trump ordered new sanctions against Cuba on Friday, describing the island nation as continuing to represent an "extraordinary threat" to American national security.
The sanctions, detailed in a presidential decree, target foreign banks collaborating with the Cuban government and impose migration restrictions. The measures also sanction individuals and entities involved in Cuba's energy, mining, and other sectors, as well as anyone declared guilty of "grave human rights violations."
The new restrictions come atop the existing embargo in place since 1962 and are designed to increase pressure on Havana amid the island's economic crisis.
Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla responded on social media, calling the measures "reprehensible, but curious and ridiculous." He characterized the sanctions as "illegal and abusive unilateral coercive measures" imposed by the U.S. government.
The Cuban government convened a demonstration on International Workers' Day to "defend the homeland" and denounce threats of American military aggression.
During a private dinner at the Forum Club in West Palm Beach, Florida, on Friday evening, Trump escalated his rhetoric regarding Cuba. He stated that the United States would "take control of Cuba almost immediately," though he qualified the timeline by saying this would occur after the completion of operations in Iran.
Trump suggested that upon returning from Iran, the U.S. could deploy the USS Abraham Lincoln, which he described as the world's largest aircraft carrier, to the Caribbean. He indicated the vessel would position itself approximately 100 meters from Cuba's coast, after which, according to his remarks, Cubans would "say thank you very much, we surrender."
Trump added that he preferred to "finish one job" before moving to another, referencing his stated priority of resolving the situation in Iran first.
Miguel Díaz-Canel said Cuba will prepare to defend itself if attacked, as Trump escalates rhetoric against the island nation.
Zelenskyy announced sanctions targeting individuals transporting stolen Ukrainian grain and profiting from the scheme, as vessels continue delivering cargo to multiple countries.
Iran proposes ending its control of the strategic waterway and the war in exchange for lifting U.S. sanctions, postponing nuclear talks.
President Trump extended a temporary truce with Iran pending submission of a unified proposal, while keeping U.S. military blockade in place.
An internal Pentagon email proposes punishing NATO allies deemed uncooperative in U.S. Iran operations, including potential suspension of Spain.
President Trump suggested withdrawing American forces from Italy and Spain, citing lack of support in Iran conflict. Italian Defense Minister Crosetto disputed the characterization.
