US to Remove Cuba from Terrorism Sponsor List

The Biden administration is reportedly preparing to rescind Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, according to US officials cited by the Associated Press. An official announcement could be imminent.

This policy shift would reverse a Trump-era decision that re-added Cuba to the list in 2021. 

However, with the impending inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump and Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio, known for their hardline stance on Cuba, the decision could face swift reversal.

The US first imposed a trade and economic embargo on Cuba in 1961 following the nationalization of US assets.

Diplomatic relations began to thaw under President Obama in 2014, leading to the removal of Cuba from the terrorism sponsor list in 2015. However, this progress stalled when Trump reinstated the designation and tightened sanctions.

The Biden administration has pledged to reevaluate Cuba policy, but significant action has been limited thus far. The potential removal of Cuba from the list could mark a renewed effort to normalize relations.