US expands Cuba sanctions targeting construction ministry and think tank

The United States has imposed new sanctions on Cuba's Ministry of Construction and a state-linked international socialist institute, according to an announcement by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday.

The sanctions represent an escalation in the Trump administration's hardline stance toward Cuba, adding to existing restrictions on trade, investment, and financial transactions with the Caribbean nation. The targeted entities are accused of supporting Cuban government activities deemed harmful to US interests.

Rubio's announcement did not provide detailed information about the specific individuals or officials designated under the new measures, though sources indicated that Cuban government officials connected to the construction ministry were also subject to sanctions.

The move follows months of increased tensions between Washington and Havana, with the US citing Cuba's alleged involvement in regional destabilization efforts and human rights violations. Cuba's government has consistently rejected such accusations, characterizing US sanctions as illegal economic warfare.

The Cuban government has not yet issued a formal response to the latest sanctions announcement. International observers note that the measures have limited practical impact on US-Cuba relations, which remain heavily restricted under decades-old embargo policies.