Cuba is facing a severe crisis marked by a four-year economic slump, hyper-inflation, and a significant outflow of its population, with nearly 20% of Cubans having migrated. The diplomatic community in Havana is expressing growing concern with the United States' strategies, particularly as Washington seems to be pursuing regime change following a military operation against Cuba’s ally Venezuela. The situation in the island nation is precarious, compounded by a decrease in tourism and an acute shortage of fuel.

Recent conversations with ambassadors in Havana reveal frustration regarding the lack of a clear U.S. policy on Cuba, especially from the U.S. charge d’affaires Mike Hammer, whose plans appear to consist primarily of economic strangulation through limiting access to oil. This tactic, according to several foreign officials, threatens to starve the island of essential resources, thereby leading to an even more profound humanitarian crisis. Many diplomats worry that rather than promoting human rights, this approach will only lead to increased suffering for ordinary Cubans.

As Cuba's government appears more vulnerable than ever, the international community must grapple with the implications of U.S. policy on the island. Diplomatic missions are contemplating a reduction in their presence amid rising tensions, underscoring the growing isolation of Cuba in the face of American pressure. The future trajectory of Cuba remains uncertain as both the internal crisis deepens and external relations become more strained, making it a focal point for discussions on U.S. foreign policy and humanitarian concerns.