Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel expressed his disapproval this Monday regarding the recent U.S. sanctions targeting senior officials of the Cuban regime. He argued that Washington lacks the necessary evidence to justify these actions and insisted that no leaders on the island hold assets under U.S. jurisdiction.
In a statement shared on his X profile, Díaz-Canel stated: "Within the leadership of our Party, State, Government, and its military institutions, no one has assets or property to protect under U.S. jurisdiction."
He further remarked that even the U.S. government is aware of this reality: "The U.S. government knows this all too well; that's why there is no evidence to present. The anti-Cuban rhetoric of hate tries to make it seem like there is to justify the escalation of their total economic war."
U.S. Sanctions Target Key Cuban Figures
The comments from Díaz-Canel coincided with Secretary of State Marco Rubio's announcement of sanctions against 11 Cuban regime officials and three governmental organizations under Executive Order 14404, which was signed by President Donald Trump on May 1, 2026.
Among those sanctioned are Roberto Morales Ojeda, Secretary of Organization of the Communist Party of Cuba; Juan Esteban Lazo Hernández, President of the National Assembly; and Joaquín Quintas Solá, Deputy Minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces.
The sanctioned entities include the Directorate of Intelligence (G2/DGI), the Ministry of the Interior (MININT), and the National Revolutionary Police (PNR).
Impact of U.S. Measures Intensifies
Rubio cautioned that additional sanctions are forthcoming in the days and weeks ahead, marking the second wave of individual designations in under two weeks. On May 7, Washington had already sanctioned GAESA and Moa Nickel S.A.
In his response, Díaz-Canel condemned the executive order as "immoral, illegal, and criminal," which threatens third parties that sell fuel to Cuba. He criticized the embargo for being "extraterritorialized to unprecedented levels, penalizing companies that wish to invest in Cuba or simply provide us with basic goods like food, medicines, hygiene products, or others."
The energy impact on the island has been severe: reports from April and May 2026 indicate that Cuba requires about eight fuel ships monthly but has received only one recently. Energy imports have allegedly dropped between 80% and 90% following Executive Order 14380, signed in January.
Shipping companies like Hapag-Lloyd and CMA CGM have suspended cargo bookings to and from Cuba, and Sherritt International has ceased direct operations on the island.
Escalating Tensions with U.S. Policies
The pressure framework dates back to January 29, 2026, when Trump signed Executive Order 14380, declaring a national emergency concerning Cuba and establishing secondary tariffs against countries or companies supplying oil to the island. Since then, the Trump administration has implemented over 240 new measures and sanctions against the regime.
Díaz-Canel concluded his remarks by labeling the situation as an "act of genocide" and called for international bodies to condemn the measures and hold their promoters accountable. Meanwhile, Rubio has repeatedly argued that the sanctions target those responsible for human rights violations and corruption, not the Cuban people.
Understanding the Implications of U.S. Sanctions on Cuba
What are the main reasons behind the U.S. sanctions on Cuba?
The U.S. sanctions are primarily aimed at addressing human rights violations and corruption within the Cuban regime, according to U.S. officials.
How have the sanctions affected Cuba's energy imports?
The sanctions have significantly impacted Cuba's energy imports, reducing them by an estimated 80% to 90%, as the island struggles to receive the necessary fuel shipments.
Which Cuban officials have been targeted by the recent U.S. sanctions?
The sanctions target several key figures, including Roberto Morales Ojeda, Juan Esteban Lazo Hernández, and Joaquín Quintas Solá, among others.