US Sanctions 11 Cuban Military and Nickel Entities

The United States imposed sanctions on September 17, 2026, targeting 11 Cuban entities and individuals linked to the country's military and nickel sectors. Authorized under Executive Order 14404 signed by President Donald Trump, the measures freeze all assets within U.S. jurisdiction for the designated parties and warn foreign entities against engaging in transactions with them.

Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, detailed that the sanctions target four state-run nickel enterprises—SERCONI, CEPRONIQUEL, CEDINIQ, and PINARES S.A.—and four research and development entities tied to the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, including SIMPRO, CIDNAV, CIDAI, and GELCOM. Three high-ranking military officials were also designated. Rubio characterized the Cuban government as a failed and corrupt state, asserting that the ruling elite hoards resources for the security apparatus while ordinary citizens face food and power shortages.

Washington has designated the Cuban government as a national security threat. In response, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla argued that U.S. sanctions are directly causing deaths and contributing to the island's severe economic hardships. Other Cuban officials have denied that the country poses any threat to the United States.