Cuba Accuses Washington of Fabricating Pretext for Military Action

U.S. - Cuba relations have remained deeply strained since the 1960s trade embargo, with periodic fluctuations under successive American administrations. A brief diplomatic opening under the Obama administration was largely reversed under subsequent U.S. policy shifts, and Cuba has remained on the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list. U.S. sanctions on Cuba restrict financial transactions, trade, and travel, and have been adjusted at various points depending on the sitting administration. Cuban officials have consistently characterized American economic measures as acts of aggression, while Washington has conditioned any relief on democratic reforms and improved human rights conditions.