Sanctions

US President Donald Trump escalated sanctions against Cuba on January 31 by threatening tariffs on countries selling oil to the island, mainly targeting Mexico's supply. International leaders and organizations condemned the move as imperialist aggression and called for an end to the blockade. In Cuba, tensions with US diplomats persist amid worsening economic hardships.

February 02, 2026 Reported by AI

Early Monday morning, officers from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and customs conducted a raid at a company in Lübeck's Roggenhorst district. Investigators suspect the firm supplies goods to Russia despite the EU embargo and may be part of a procurement network. An eyewitness video captured the swift operation with masked officers and forced entry.

Iran's Ministry of Defence Export Center has begun accepting cryptocurrency payments for weapons like missiles, tanks, and drones to circumvent international sanctions. This move, detailed on the center's website, marks one of the first times a nation has used digital assets for military sales. The policy comes amid renewed UN sanctions on Iran's nuclear program.

January 01, 2026 Reported by AI

Following his December 29 statement criticizing US military escalation and trade measures against Venezuela, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla on December 31 condemned US sanctions on individuals and companies in both Venezuela and Iran, issuing the statement from Havana.

U.S. authorities have been pursuing a sanctioned tanker heading to Venezuela to load crude since Saturday, ignoring detention orders. The vessel Bella 1 is part of Washington's pressure campaign against Nicolás Maduro's government. This incident is the second of the weekend and the third in a few days.

December 21, 2025 Reported by AI

Following its engine failure and anchoring off Höganäs, the Russian freighter Adler—owned by EU- and US-sanctioned M Leasing LLC—was boarded by Swedish Customs, Coast Guard, police, and Security Service. After a 10-12 hour cargo inspection, the prosecutor declined to open a sanctions violation probe, permitting the ship to leave Swedish waters.