US sanctions Banco Exterior de Cuba, nickel and energy firms and a grandson of Raúl Castro
3 September 2026
The US State Department placed fresh sanctions on five Cuban entities and one individual. The entities are the state-owned Banco Exterior de Cuba, two companies in the nickel mining industry and two in the energy sector, one of which imports oil. The individual is Fidel Ernesto Castro, 31, a grandson of former leader Raúl Castro; Washington described him as an adult family member of other sanctioned members of the Castro family. Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the step in a social media post. It followed an earlier round in August aimed at mining and construction. Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez answered that Cuba does not threaten US national security or the US economy.
In plain words
State Department US Department of State — The US government department for foreign affairs, headed by the Secretary of State.
Nickel Nickel (Ni) — A metal used in stainless steel and batteries, and one of Cuba's main exports.