U.S. Summons Cuban Ambassador Over Harassment of Washington Diplomat Amid Rising Tensions

Tensions between the U.S. and Cuba have escalated significantly under President Donald Trump's administration, with the Cuban government accusing U.S. diplomats, particularly Chief of Mission Mike Hammer, of interference and incitement against the Cuban regime. The U.S. government, in turn, has condemned the Cuban government's harassment of Hammer, emphasizing that his diplomatic activities, including meeting with dissidents, religious leaders, and families of political prisoners, are protected under the Vienna Convention. The Cuban government has issued formal protests accusing Hammer of provoking unrest and violating diplomatic norms, while a senior Cuban official alleged that the Trump administration is deliberately escalating tensions and potentially provoking a military confrontation. The U.S. maintains that it seeks dialogue but calls on Cuba to release American citizens and political prisoners. These developments follow Trump's hardline policies, including re-listing Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism and tightening remittance and migration rules, which Cuba views as efforts to destabilize its government. The dispute reflects a broader deterioration in bilateral relations marked by mutual accusations and diplomatic confrontations.