US tightens sanctions against Cuba — Treasury

US tightens sanctions against Cuba — Treasury The US banned all financial transactions with Cuban organizations linked to the law enforcement agenciesWASHINGTON/HAVANA, September 30. /TASS/. The United States has again tightened sanctions against Cuba and introduced new restrictions on the island nation’s financial transactions, including those involving its private sector, the Treasury said. The US banned all financial transactions with Cuban organizations linked to the law enforcement agencies and conglomerate Grupo de Administracion Empresarial S. A. (GAESA). The financial authority revoked the general license, which since 2024 had allowed US banks to process dollar·denominated payments involving Cuba provided that the source and destination of the payment were outside the United States and did not affect the interests of US citizens. The Treasury also revoked the authorization that allowed US banks to open and maintain accounts in the name of Cuban independent private entrepreneurs. Cuban private entrepreneurs gained access to the US banking system in 2024 under President Joe Biden as part of measures aimed at supporting the Cuban private sector. The Treasury also introduced the need to ask for permission for trips connected to cultural exchange programs, as well as conferences and meetings of specialists permitted for US citizens by President Barack Obama. Cuban imports to the United States have recently shown significant growth. According to the US government, Cuba imported $149 million worth of goods in July, the highest monthly figure since 1992. From January to July, the supplies exceeded $674 million, or almost the entire import volume for 2025. US President Donald Trump extended the trade embargo against Cuba until September 14, 2027. Cuban authorities note that the increased pressure from Washington has led to a fuel shortage, power outages, and a worsening economic crisis. Trump has repeatedly threatened to take control of the island. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla said that the purpose of the new sanctions was to create obstacles to the economic reforms on the island. "These new blockade measures are intended to create obstacles to the [ongoing] process of economic reforms on the island," he wrote on X. "They are openly targeting both the public and private sectors -- the very private sector whose development, according to some American officials, they allegedly want to promote." The minister said that the new restrictive measures "nullify contacts between the people and further restrict academic and research activities. They also tighten the bans that prevent private Cuban entities from conducting direct business with the United States and US banks. "Less than 24 hours ago, [US Secretary of State Marco Rubio] said [in an interview with Fox News] that 'Cuba has already fallen,' but now it turns out that additional measures are required." 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