The Cuban regime has signaled a willingness to re-engage in dialogue with the United States, yet it has drawn clear boundaries indicating its intent to preserve the core of its political power unchanged.
Carlos Fernández de Cossío, the Deputy Foreign Minister, informed the Associated Press that while Cuba currently lacks a dialogue table with Washington, it remains "open to one" provided certain conditions are met.
However, he stressed that certain topics are off-limits, specifically the Constitution, the economy, and the socialist government system.
"We are open to dialogue. If we can have a conversation, perhaps it can lead to a negotiation," stated Fernández de Cossío, emphasizing Cuba's desire for a "respectful and serious coexistence" with the United States. Nonetheless, he reiterated that the nation's political model is non-negotiable.
These comments come shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that his administration maintains contacts with top Cuban officials, following his announcement of tariffs against any country supplying oil to the island.
Trump has repeatedly labeled Cuba as a "failed state," asserting that his administration seeks an agreement benefiting both exiled Cubans and those remaining on the island.
The White House continues to apply economic and diplomatic pressure on Havana, citing a national emergency due to the Cuban regime being an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. security.
Fernández de Cossío's remarks complement a recent statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX), which on February 1 declared that Cuba "poses no threat to U.S. security" and proposed reactivating bilateral cooperation in areas such as counterterrorism, drug trafficking, money laundering, and cybersecurity.
Strategic Messaging from Havana
Analysts view the combination of MINREX's technical tone and the vice minister's political caution as part of a controlled de-escalation strategy. Havana aims to project an image of a "responsible and cooperative state" while seeking to alleviate pressures from the energy blockade and financial sanctions against GAESA, the military conglomerate under Raúl Castro's control.
Despite a shift in rhetoric, the underlying reality remains unchanged: Miguel Díaz-Canel's regime rejects any dialogue that involves structural reforms or challenges to the Communist Party's authority.
The Constitutional and Economic Stance
The regime's refusal to discuss its Constitution, economy, or socialist government system is not merely tactical; it reflects a need to safeguard the legal framework of power in Cuba. The 2019 Constitution enshrines the irreversibility of socialism (Article 4), designates the Communist Party as the "superior governing force of society and the State" (Article 5), and prevents any future modifications to that order (Article 229).
Opening such a debate would challenge the essence of the regime, which is sustained by political monopoly, economic control, and the military's hegemonic role. The socialist economic model—managed through the GAESA military conglomerate—ensures the regime's absolute control over key income sources: tourism, foreign trade, currency, and banking.
By maintaining this model, the regime protects its financial interests under the guise of "economic sovereignty."
U.S. Response and Strategic Implications
This stance starkly contrasts with the Donroe Doctrine, a new hemispheric strategy promoted by Trump and crafted by Marco Rubio. This doctrine seeks to reshape the Western Hemisphere through the democratic transition of authoritarian regimes allied with Russia, China, and Iran.
Following Nicolás Maduro's capture and the start of the stabilization and reconciliation process in Venezuela, the White House has made it clear it will not entertain dialogues that exclude substantial political reforms and a transition to democracy.
In this context, Cuba's offer of "technical dialogue without touching the system" is perceived in Washington as a defensive maneuver rather than genuine openness.
All indications are that the United States will maintain controlled communication channels but will intensify diplomatic, economic, and financial pressure until Havana agrees to discuss a real transition to a pluralistic and democratic system. The message is clear: Stability will not be achieved without systemic change.
Key Issues in U.S.-Cuba Relations
Why is Cuba unwilling to discuss its socialist system with the U.S.?
Cuba is unwilling to discuss its socialist system with the U.S. because doing so would challenge the core framework of its political power, which is legally protected under its Constitution.
What is the Donroe Doctrine?
The Donroe Doctrine is a strategy promoted by the Trump administration, aiming to transition authoritarian regimes in the Western Hemisphere to democratic governance, particularly those allied with Russia, China, and Iran.
How does the U.S. view Cuba's offer for dialogue?
The U.S. views Cuba's offer for dialogue as a defensive gesture rather than genuine openness, as it excludes discussions on significant political reforms and a transition to democracy.