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Rubio defends new U.S. sanctions on Cuba, targeting military-run conglomerate GAESA
The United States announced new sanctions on GAESA and related entities on May 7, expanding authority under an executive order issued on May 1. Moa Nickel withdrew from the Cuba venture, and Ania Guillermina Lastres was added to the U.S. blacklist. Rubio framed the measures as targeting regime insiders, not the Cuban people.
Why It Matters
The sanctions broaden U.S. leverage over Cuba by targeting GAESA’s extensive domestic and international interests, with potential wider effects on international banks, insurers and corporations doing business with Cuba.
Timeline
6 Events
Article published summarizing sanctions and expert commentary
May 9, 2026
The article consolidates details of the May 1 executive order, the May 7 designations, and analysis by experts Lee Schlenker and Pavel Vidal on the potential impact of the sanctions on Cuba's economy and GAESA.
Rubio remarks on sanctions
May 7, 2026
In remarks to the press, Senator Marco Rubio said the sanctions were not aimed at the Cuban people and described GAESA as a company channeling profits to regime insiders.
Moa Nickel withdraws from Cuba business
May 7, 2026
Moa Nickel announced it would withdraw from the Cuba venture, ending a 32-year presence on the island, in response to the designation.
Sanctions announced designating GAESA and related entities
May 7, 2026
On May 7, 2026, the United States announced new sanctions designating GAESA and its leader, plus entities including Moa Nickel — a Cuban joint venture with Canada's Sherritt International — and Ania Guillermina Lastres to the U.S. blacklist.
U.S. issues May 1 executive order expanding sanctions authority
May 1, 2026
The United States issued an executive order on May 1, 2026, expanding the legal authority through which the U.S. can sanction third-country nationals and firms connected to Cuba, a framework later invoked in the May 7 designations.
Death of Luis Alberto Rodríguez López-Calleja
July 2022
Luis Alberto Rodríguez López-Calleja, former GAESA general manager and son-in-law of former President Raúl Castro, died in July 2022. His son, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, has become a key intermediary in discussions with the U.S.