The US Department of State announced new sanctions on May 1, 2026, targeting five Cuban entities and eight individuals linked to foreign military procurement for Havana. The penalties, levied under President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14404, target figures and organizations that facilitate arms shipments and military relationships for the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR) and state security forces.

Sanctions and National Security

According to the official announcement, the designations fall under Executive Order 14404, titled “Imposing Sanctions on Those Responsible for Repression in Cuba and for Threats to United States National Security and Foreign Policy.” The measure expands upon Executive Order 14380 and National Security Presidential Memorandum 5, which target Cuba’s security apparatus and military-run economic networks, including the Grupo de Administración Empresarial S.A. (GAESA).

Federal officials framed the actions as a direct response to national security concerns regarding Cuba’s military operations and its intelligence ties with foreign adversaries, including Russia, China, and Iran. “The Trump Administration will continue to use every tool at our disposal to address the national security threats posed by the Cuban Communist regime, and to drive economic and political reforms to give the Cuban people a better future,” the State Department declared in its official statement.

Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.