The United States has imposed sanctions on Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife, and three other individuals, according to a Thursday filing from the U.S. Treasury Department.

Also targeted in the sanctions is Alejandro Castro Espín, son of former Cuban President Raúl Castro and Vilma Espín. Castro Espín served as an advisor to Cuba's Defense and National Security Commission and was present during the historic March 2016 meeting between Raúl Castro and former U.S. President Barack Obama in Havana.

The sanctions represent the latest escalation in U.S. pressure on Cuba's leadership under the Trump administration. President Trump recently signed an executive order expanding sanctions against the island nation and has threatened military action following the ousting of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January.

The administration also ordered an energy blockade that has cut off fuel shipments to Cuba, contributing to severe blackouts, food shortages, and economic collapse across the island. The measures gained additional significance after the U.S. announced criminal charges against former Cuban leader Raúl Castro.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that while Trump's preference would be to reach a diplomatic agreement with Cuba's socialist leadership, he remains doubtful about prospects for a resolution with the current government. Trump has spoken of conducting a "friendly takeover" of Cuba if its leadership does not open the economy to American investment and distance itself from U.S. adversaries.

The Associated Press reached out to Cuban authorities but did not receive a response to requests for comment on the new sanctions.