During a recent press briefing at the State Department, Secretary of State Marco Rubio notably sidestepped a direct inquiry regarding Cuba posed by Leonardo Feldman, White House correspondent for Newsweek.
Feldman questioned Rubio about any developments concerning Cuba, referencing President Donald Trump's recurring assertion that "Cuba is next." Rubio chose not to answer.
"At the State Department today, I asked Secretary of State Marco Rubio if there were any updates on Cuba, as President Trump has frequently mentioned 'Cuba is next.' However, the meaning behind this remains unclear. He ignored the question," Feldman shared on his X account.
Rubio's silence coincided with the expiration of a two-week deadline set by Washington for the Cuban regime to free high-profile political prisoners, including artist Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and rapper Maykel Osorbo. Havana did not meet the demand.
The day before, the regime had officially dismissed the ultimatum. Cuban Ambassador to the United Nations, Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, denied the existence of such an ultimatum and insisted that any progress hinges on mutual respect for internal matters.
Meanwhile, Díaz-Canel described the discussions with the United States as "respectful and professional" and in a "very preliminary stage," ruling out negotiations over political changes, sovereignty, or the release of prisoners.
Heightened Tensions in U.S.-Cuba Relations
The negotiation process between the two nations is experiencing its most strained period since the 2014-2016 Obama-Castro thaw.
The Trump administration reinstated a policy of maximum pressure starting in January 2026, with Executive Order 14380 labeling the Cuban regime as a "unique and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security and imposing tariffs on countries supplying oil to the island.
Rubio has engaged in at least half a dozen meetings with Cuban representatives, including Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, grandson of Raúl Castro, bypassing official Communist Party channels.
On April 10, a State Department delegation arrived in Havana on the first U.S. government flight since 2016, negotiating directly with Cuban vice ministers and GAESA, the military conglomerate controlling 40% to 70% of the island's economy.
Promises of Updates and Critical Negotiation Window
In early April, Rubio promised exciting updates about Cuba during a Fox News interview. To date, no public announcements have been made.
The State Department recently cautioned that the Cuban regime has a limited timeframe to strike a deal, signaling the most recent indication that negotiations are at a critical and uncertain juncture.
Key Questions on U.S.-Cuba Relations
Why did Marco Rubio ignore the question about Cuba?
Marco Rubio sidestepped the question about Cuba during the press briefing, leaving the inquiry unanswered and adding to the speculation regarding U.S. policy towards the island.
What was the outcome of the two-week deadline imposed by Washington?
The Cuban regime did not comply with the U.S. demand to release high-profile political prisoners by the deadline, leading to further tensions in the negotiation process.
What is the significance of Executive Order 14380?
Executive Order 14380, signed by President Trump, designates the Cuban regime as a threat to U.S. national security and enforces tariffs on nations supplying oil to Cuba, marking a stringent policy stance.