Cuba’s U.N. ambassador Ernesto Soberón Guzmán criticized the United States for demanding economic reforms while continuing to tighten sanctions. He said the new penalties, including measures targeting Cuba’s mining, metal and construction sectors, are blocking the very private‑investment opening Washington has pushed for. The U.S. has imposed an oil blockade and expanded sanctions under President Donald Trump, worsening blackouts, fuel shortages and transportation problems. Cuba says these conditions scare off investors and tourists, and some companies, like Spain’s Meliá Hotels, have already left the island. Cuban officials argue that the sanctions make it nearly impossible for their new economic reforms to succeed. Cuba has announced major changes to its socialist economy, including allowing private banks, foreign investment, real estate development, fast‑food chains, and more freedom for private businesses. Experts say the reforms are the biggest shift since the 1959 revolution, but U.S. sanctions severely limit their chances of working. Washington continues to target Cuba’s military‑linked conglomerate GAESA and other state companies, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio says more sanctions will keep coming. Analysts note the irony that U.S. pressure is forcing Cuba to liberalize its economy, while simultaneously blocking the resources needed for those reforms to succeed. Guzmán said progress would be far easier if American companies could operate in Cuba and trade was possible, but he added that the U.S. keeps the same aggressive policy even as Cuba changes.