Last Friday, U.S. State Department officials engaged in discussions with representatives of the Cuban regime in Havana. This meeting, disclosed by Axios, marks a notable diplomatic event given the current climate: the Trump administration, with Marco Rubio as Secretary of State, is perceived as far less willing to make concessions compared to the Obama era.
A senior State Department official disclosed to Axios that several meetings took place in Havana, but identified only one Cuban participant: Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, widely known as "El Cangrejo", a lieutenant colonel in the Ministry of the Interior (MININT) and head of personal security for his grandfather.
Despite holding no official position, Raúl Castro remains the true power in Cuba, and it appears that Washington views El Cangrejo as the de facto voice of the historic leader.
During these discussions, U.S. officials warned the regime that "the Cuban economy is in a freefall" and that the ruling elite has "a brief opportunity to implement key reforms supported by the U.S. before circumstances become irreversibly worse."
Among the specific offers, the U.S. proposed assisting to restore internet access through the installation of Starlink services. Officials also reiterated longstanding conditions for lifting the embargo: compensation to American citizens and corporations for properties seized after the 1959 Revolution, the release of political prisoners, and assurances of political freedoms that would eventually include free and fair elections.
Additionally, they expressed "concerns about foreign intelligence, military, and terrorist groups operating with the Cuban government's permission less than 100 miles from U.S. territory."
"President Trump is committed to seeking a diplomatic solution, if feasible, but he will not allow the island to pose a greater threat to national security if Cuba's leaders are unable or unwilling to act," the senior State Department official told the outlet.
The discussions occur amidst the most severe crisis Cuba has faced since the Special Period. The economy has shrunk by 23% since 2019, with a projected GDP decline of 7.2% for this year, exacerbated by the halt in Venezuelan oil supplies after Nicolás Maduro's capture in January.
Key Aspects of U.S.-Cuba Diplomatic Discussions
Who is Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro?
Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as "El Cangrejo," is a lieutenant colonel in Cuba's Ministry of the Interior and the head of personal security for his grandfather, Raúl Castro.
What were the main topics discussed in the Havana meetings?
The main topics included the deteriorating Cuban economy, the potential for U.S.-backed reforms, restoration of internet access through Starlink, and the conditions for lifting the embargo, such as compensation for seized properties and the release of political prisoners.
What are the U.S. concerns regarding Cuba's proximity?
The U.S. expressed concerns about foreign intelligence, military, and terrorist groups operating with the Cuban government's permission, just under 100 miles from U.S. shores.