The government of Donald Trump announced new sanctions against the communist regime of Cuba.

The United States announced this Thursday a new expansion of sanctions against the Cuban dictatorship by including the leader Miguel Díaz-Canel, members of his family, and direct relatives of Raúl Castro on a list of individuals subject to economic restrictions, in a measure that increases pressure from Washington on the island's ruling elite.

The Treasury Department reported that the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has once again added Díaz-Canel to its list of sanctioned individuals and extended the measures to his wife, Lis Cuesta Pedraza; his stepson, Manuel Anido Cuesta; Alejandro Castro Espín, son of Raúl Castro; and Raúl Alejandro Castro Calis, grandson of the former Cuban leader.

The sanctions involve the blocking of any assets or property that those affected may own in U.S. territory or under U.S. jurisdiction. Furthermore, U.S. citizens and companies are prohibited from conducting transactions with the individuals included on the list, unless specifically authorized by the federal government.

The decision constitutes an expansion of existing measures against Cuban leaders and reflects Washington's intention to increase pressure not only on state officials but also on individuals considered part of the closest circle to political power in Havana.

According to the Treasury Department, the sanctions were adopted under Executive Order 14404, a mechanism used by the United States to impose financial restrictions on individuals and organizations linked to the Cuban government.

In addition to personal sanctions, Washington added five Cuban entities to its blacklist. Among them is the Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces (MINFAR), considered one of the most influential bodies within the Cuban state structure.

The Committees for the Defense of the Revolution (CDR), the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the Peoples (ICAP), the company Minera La Victoria S.A., and the travel agency Amistur Cuba S.A. were also sanctioned.

As a result, all properties and interests of these entities located in the United States or under the control of U.S. citizens are blocked. Additionally, any commercial or financial operation with them is prohibited without prior authorization from U.S. authorities.

The measure is part of a broader strategy pushed by the administration of President Donald Trump in recent months. In May, Washington had already imposed sanctions against Cuban officials linked to intelligence agencies, military structures, and communication entities.

The tightening of U.S. policy coincides with one of the most difficult stages for the Cuban economy since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The island faces a crisis marked by recurring blackouts, fuel shortages, difficulties in importing basic goods, inflation, and a growing emigration of citizens to other countries.

U.S. authorities maintain that the sanctions aim to hold the country's top leaders accountable for the internal political and economic situation. For its part, the Cuban government has repeatedly argued that the restrictions imposed by Washington exacerbate economic difficulties and hinder the island's development.

The announcement also coincided with new statements from Trump regarding the Cuban situation. During a conversation with journalists, the president described Cuba as a country immersed in a deep economic and energy crisis.

''We want it to be a well-managed country. It is a failed nation,'' the U.S. president stated, referring to the difficulties the island is experiencing.

Trump asserted that the lack of energy, fuel, and financial resources reflects the deterioration of the country's internal situation. He also stated that the loss of external sources of economic support has contributed to the worsening of the crisis.

''They have no energy, no oil. They have great lands. Cuba has already collapsed,'' he declared.

The president also linked the policy towards Cuba with other international priorities of Washington. In this context, he noted that his administration is currently focused on various geopolitical challenges, although he assured that the situation on the island will continue to be part of the U.S. agenda.

''We are going to treat Cuba well. We have great plans for Cuba,'' Trump stated, although he reiterated his criticisms of the authorities in Havana.

''The regime is very bad, but now they have neither money nor Venezuelan oil,'' he added.