US Reinstates Cuba, Iran, Syria, Venezuela as Non-Cooperating Terrorism Countries

In 2024, the United States, under Secretary of State Marco Rubio, re-designated Cuba as a "not fully cooperating country" (NFCC) for failing to cooperate with U.S. counterterrorism efforts, specifically for harboring at least 11 U.S. fugitives, several facing terrorism-related charges, and refusing to negotiate their return. This certification, based on Section 40A of the Arms Export Control Act, prohibits the sale or licensing of defense articles and services to Cuba. The decision reverses the previous administration’s temporary removal of Cuba from this list and aligns with the Trump administration's tougher stance, which also includes re-certifying North Korea, Iran, Syria, and Venezuela as NFCCs. While Cuba's NFCC status is distinct from its designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism—a label briefly removed by President Biden then reinstated by Trump—U.N. experts have criticized these designations as illegal and harmful to Cuban human rights and economic recovery. The U.S. stance underscores ongoing tensions and signals a firm position against easing restrictions on Cuba amid concerns over counterterrorism and law enforcement cooperation.