Europe

Sanctions and frozen funds hang in the balance as US-Iran peace talks continue, while Cuba runs out of fuel amid tightening sanctions and growing threats of military action.

The US unleashes “Operation Economic Fury” and blockade against Iran as sanctions on Venezuela are eased and Democrats push back on Trump threats of military action against Cuba.

Trump administration allows limited Iranian and Russian oil sales, and eases certain Venezuela sanctions. Meanwhile, the US blockade on Cuba chokes the island’s economy and population, a policy that recent polling indicates many US Americans oppose.

Trump’s oil blockade fuels a crisis in Cuba as the US and Israel strike Iran. Trump eases sanctions on Venezuela’s oil and gas sectors, while Canada relaxes sanctions on Syria. The EU fails to adopt its 20th package of Russia sanctions.

Trump eases some sanctions on Venezuela’s oil sector while maintaining the naval blockade and threatening tariffs on countries shipping oil to Cuba. Treasury Secretary Bessent says protests in Iran were sparked by sanctions-fueled economic crisis. 

The following resource is intended to aid policymakers and advocates in understanding US sanctions policy and its lethal and humanitarian consequences.

Trump enacts a “blockade” on sanctioned Venezuelan oil, likely impacting Cuba’s economy too; Congress repeals a landmark Syria sanctions bill as sanctions weigh on Iran and Russia.

Europe faces increasing threats from Trump and Russia, making China a key ally for economic collaboration and diplomatic solutions, despite its authoritarian stance.

Trump extends the Syria sanctions waiver as measures on Russia and Cuba bite. The President also signals openness to talks on Iran sanctions, while escalating threats against Venezuela with new designations.

The Trump administration imposes its first Russia sanctions while snapback measures on Iran begin to bite. For the 33rd time, the UN GA overwhelmingly votes to condemn and call for end of US embargo on Cuba.