U.S. Secretary Marco Rubio Targets 11 Cuban Entities with Sanctions

On September 18, 2026, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the imposition of sanctions on 11 Cuban entities.

The sanctions specifically target four state-run enterprises involved in nickel reserves, four military companies engaged in research and development, including weapons systems, and three military officials. This move is part of a broader strategy by the United States to exert pressure on the Cuban government, which the U.S. has labeled as a national security threat.

In response, Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez has consistently rejected this characterization, asserting that the Cuban government does not pose a threat to the United States.