The Cuban state television broadcast a commentary on Tuesday reaffirming President Miguel Díaz-Canel's stance of being willing to engage in dialogue with Washington "on all topics, no matter how sensitive," while conditioning any negotiations on respect for sovereignty, self-determination, and international law. The official outlet reports on the dialogue willingness expressed by Díaz-Canel during his televised appearance in February 2026.
The message arrives at a time of maximum bilateral tension. On January 29, Trump signed an executive order declaring a national emergency due to the "unusual and extraordinary threat" from Cuba and authorizing tariffs on countries that sell oil to the island, marking the most aggressive energy pressure in decades. Additionally, the decline of Venezuelan supply following the capture of Nicolás Maduro in January further worsened the Cuban energy crisis.
Jorge Legañoa, a commentator for official television, lists seven characteristics that, according to Havana, define the current state of bilateral relations: intensification of the energy embargo, pressures against medical collaboration, attacks on the tourism industry, suspension of remittances, tolerance of armed groups, a media campaign, and a narrative of confusion and demobilization.
In that last point, the regime directly targets the revelations about secret contacts between Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as "El Cangrejo" and the grandson of Raúl Castro, during a meeting in Saint Kitts on the sidelines of the CARICOM summit. According to CiberCuba, Rubio negotiated the Cuban transition with El Cangrejo, ignoring Díaz-Canel and demanding specific political reforms.
Last Sunday, secret negotiations for an economic agreement with Cuba were also revealed, which would include a negotiated exit for Díaz-Canel, the continued presence of the Castro family, tourism opening, and the easing of sanctions on ports and energy. Deputy Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío confirmed high-level exchanges but ruled out discussing constitutional reforms, changes to the socialist system, or the release of political prisoners.
The incident involving the boat registered in Florida intercepted on February 25 near Villa Clara — which carried 14 assault rifles, 11 pistols, over 12,800 rounds of ammunition, explosives, drones, and military uniforms — is presented by the regime as evidence of "tolerance for terrorism" on the part of the United States. According to CiberCuba, the confrontation resulted in four deaths and 21 bullet impacts among the ten occupants, all Cubans residing in the U.S., and a wounded Cuban border guard. On March 4, the Prosecutor's Office filed terrorism charges against six suspects, with possible penalties of up to 30 years or the death penalty.
The spokesperson for the White House, Karoline Leavitt, responded to Díaz-Canel's statements with a direct message: "The Cuban government is on its last legs and about to fall," and warned that they should "be careful with comments directed at the President of the United States." Trump, for his part, publicly stated that he is "talking to people at the highest levels in Cuba" and that the island "should make a deal," describing the situation with a striking phrase: "They have no money, they have no oil, they have no food."
Cuban state television frames all this as a manipulation strategy by Washington to create the narrative of negotiations that, according to Havana, do not exist under the terms that the regime would accept. The commentator summarizes the official stance with a phrase that appeals to José Martí: "Counter plan against plan." He concludes that Cuba's willingness to engage in dialogue is genuine, but it must be "without underhanded dealings, in a serious and responsible manner, based on respect for sovereignty and international law."
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