Cuba Rejects New US Sanctions as Unilateral Measures

(MENAFN) Cuba has strongly rejected a new set of sanctions imposed by the United States, describing them as unjust “unilateral coercive measures” that amount to collective punishment of its population, according to reports.

Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla said Friday that Havana “firmly” opposes the latest restrictions, following a decision by US President Donald Trump to sign an executive order targeting individuals and entities linked to Cuba over concerns related to US national security and foreign policy.

Rodríguez wrote on X that the measures show an intent to “impose, once again, collective punishment on the Cuban people.”

He also suggested the timing was deliberate, noting that the announcement coincided with May 1, International Workers’ Day, when large public demonstrations are held in Cuba.

“It is no coincidence that these measures were announced on May 1,” he said, adding that millions of Cubans participate in rallies that reject the US blockade and what he described as an “energy siege.”

Rodríguez further accused Washington of hypocrisy, saying that while the US “represses its own people in the streets,” it seeks to punish Cubans who are “heroically resisting” US pressure.

He also argued that the sanctions have extraterritorial effects and violate international law, claiming they are inconsistent with the United Nations Charter and that the US has no authority to impose measures on Cuba or third countries, according to reports.

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