US extends trade embargo against Cuba for another year

The United States has extended its trade embargo with Cuba for another year, President Donald Trump's statement was published in the Federal Register, the official publication of the United States government.

According to Trump, "it is in the national interest of the United States to extend these powers with respect to Cuba for another year."

The trade embargo, which was due to expire on September 14, will now last until September 14, 2027. The United States severed diplomatic relations with Cuba in 1961 after the transfer of its assets on the island to state ownership, and a trade and economic embargo was imposed on the country.

In December 2014, then-US President Barack Obama acknowledged that Washington's previous policy towards Havana had been ineffective. He announced steps to normalize bilateral relations and ease sanctions. In 2015, the Obama administration removed Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

The rapprochement between the two countries stalled when Republican Donald Trump came to power in January 2017. He tightened travel restrictions for U.S. citizens and banned businesses controlled by the Cuban military. The Trump administration also put Cuba back on its list of state sponsors of terrorism.

On March 5, Trump said that Washington would determine its next steps toward Cuba after it concluded its military operation against Iran. On February 27, the White House chief of staff said that the United States could take control of Cuba. Politico reported on May 18 that the United States government was increasingly inclined to use military force against Cuba. In an interview with Axios in June, the U.S. president did not rule out a change of leadership in Cuba.

Earlier, it was reported that Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel accused the United States of committing genocide against his people and attempting to take over the country.