The United States accused Cuba of interfering with the work of its top diplomat in Havana on Sunday (1 February) after small groups of Cubans jeered at him during meetings with residents and church representatives.
Amid rising tensions between the two countries, the U.S. State Department accused the Cuban government on social media of using “failed intimidation tactics.”
It also demanded that Havana stop “sending individuals to interfere with the diplomatic work” of U.S. Charge d’Affaires Mike Hammer.
Friction has intensified after U.S. President Donald Trump last week declared Cuba “an unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security and warned of tariffs on any country supplying oil to the communist-run island.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Saturday (31 January), Trump described Cuba as “a failing nation” but said he believed the two sides could reach an agreement.
“I think we’re going to make a deal with Cuba,” he told reporters.
On Saturday (31 January), Hammer posted a video describing alleged harassment after leaving a meeting with local church leaders.
“When I left the parish, a few communists, surely frustrated by how bad the revolution is going, shouted obscenities at me,” he said.
Subsequent videos showed small groups during nighttime blackouts taunting Hammer with shouts of “Assassin!” and “Imperialist!”
Trump has also warned that the U.S. could impose tariffs on countries continuing to supply Cuba with oil, part of a broader campaign to tighten economic pressure on the island.
Reuters has reported that Mexico, now Cuba’s top oil supplier after Venezuelan deliveries fell sharply, is reviewing whether to continue shipments amid concerns over U.S. retaliation.
Cuba is facing worsening fuel shortages, frequent power outages and a deepening economic crisis, drawing renewed international attention to the humanitarian impact of U.S. sanctions and regional energy disruptions.
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Argentine President Javier Milei's cabinet chief, Manuel Adorni, resigned on Saturday following a scandal that triggered investigations into his spending in recent years.
U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Oklahoma law enforcement veteran Lance Schroyer to serve as the next director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
At least three paramilitary troops and three suspected militants were killed after heavily armed attackers stormed a Rangers security compound in Pakistan's southern port city of Karachi on Saturday, authorities said.
France said on Saturday it was considering taking reciprocal measures after Burkina Faso broke off diplomatic relations.
Japan remained on high alert Saturday as Typhoon Mekkhala approached the eastern coast after Typhoon Higos weakened into a tropical depression. Authorities warned of continued heavy rain, flooding, and landslides, according to media reports.
A tanker reported being struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, Britain's maritime security agency said, after the United States and Iran each launched strikes in the worst escalation since they signed their interim peace deal.
Germany and Poland are bracing for sweltering conditions as a deadly heatwave that has gripped Western Europe moves east, with temperatures expected to approach 40°C over the weekend.
Iran had a stoppage-time goal disallowed as they drew 1-1 with Egypt in their final Group G match at Seattle Stadium on Friday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the country is going through a “difficult period”, but has learned much from it, according to state news agency TASS.
Pope Leo has expressed solidarity with people in Venezuela after twin earthquakes struck the country earlier this week, causing widespread damage and leaving communities in urgent need of assistance.
Eleven people were killed when a small plane carrying skydivers crashed near Nancy in eastern France on Sunday, local officials said.
France has recorded 1,000 excess deaths during the severe heatwave that swept across Europe, according to the country's public health agency, which warned the final toll is likely to rise.
Lionel Messi made World Cup history as Argentina finished top of Group J, while Austria and Algeria both reached the Round of 32 after a dramatic draw that ended Iran's hopes of progressing.
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