Pope Raises Alarm Over Escalating U.S.–Cuba Standoff

Overview

• President Donald Trump threatened to halt oil and money to Cuba and signed a decree enabling tariffs on countries that sell oil to Havana.
• Witnesses cited by CNN said U.S. chargé d'affaires Mike Hammer told embassy staff in Havana to pack and warned of a coming “real blockade” with no more oil entering the island.
• Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned what he called a campaign of aggression and declared that surrender is not an option as authorities highlight military exercises and nationwide mobilization.
• U.S. media report that the administration aims for a regime change in Cuba by the end of 2026 and is seeking contacts in Havana, claims not formally announced by Washington.
• Recent U.S. actions were galvanized by the operation that captured Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro, with reporting describing increased naval pressure in the Caribbean.