US sanctions Raul Castro's grandson, Cuban state entities

WASHINGTON, United States — WASHINGTON — The United States imposed sanctions on Fidel Ernesto Castro Cales, grandson of former Cuban leader Raul Castro, along with five state-linked entities, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced. The designations also targeted Banco Exterior de Cuba and four Cuban firms operating in the nickel, cobalt and energy sectors. Castro Cales is not known to hold a political role in Cuba. His mother and father were previously sanctioned by Washington. His father, Alejandro Castro Espin, Raul Castro's only son, played a key role in secret negotiations that led to the restoration of diplomatic relations between the United States and Cuba in 2015. Raul Castro, 95, no longer holds an official position but remains an influential figure in Cuban politics. He faced criminal charges from the United States earlier this year. In June, Washington announced a separate sanctions package that included other members of the Castro family as well as President Miguel Diaz-Canel and his relatives. Cuba has been under a U.S. trade embargo since 1962. President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on the island in recent months, cutting fuel shipments and threatening to take control of the country.