The storyline of discreet contacts between Washington and Havana has gained new elements following recent revelations that confirm not only the extent of the diplomatic mission sent by Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, but also the intensity of the pressures exerted on the Cuban regime amid an increasingly deepening economic and political crisis.
According to a report by Fox News, the State Department itself confirmed that Rubio “sent a delegation of high-ranking officials to negotiate in Havana,” in what represents one of the most significant moves in U.S. diplomacy toward Cuba in recent years.
The visit also marked a symbolic event: “last week, a plane from the United States government landed on the soil of the island nation for the first time since 2016.”
As the island faces prolonged blackouts, a shortage of fuel, and a growing humanitarian crisis, there is a sense from Washington of a window of opportunity to put pressure on the power elite.
According to Fox News, U.S. officials believe there is room to push for changes in the Cuban political system.
"President Trump is committed to seeking a diplomatic solution if possible, but he will not allow the island to collapse and become a major threat to national security if the leaders of Cuba are not willing or able to act," the report states, citing official sources.
The media indicates that Trump is considering "a range of options, from a military intervention by the United States to a regime change led by the U.S.," highlighting the high level of tension surrounding these discussions.
In that context, the role of Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as "El Cangrejo," grandson of Raúl Castro and a key figure within the power structure of the regime, is of particular significance, despite not holding a public position.
As had been previously confirmed, a senior U.S. official held a separate meeting with him during the visit on April 10, solidifying his role as a direct interlocutor in these negotiations.
During their stay in Havana, the U.S. delegation did not limit themselves to protocol contacts.
According to the same report, it made specific demands to the regime, including "the opening of the internet" and the release of political prisoners as initial conditions to advance in any understanding.
TheMiami Heraldprovided key details that help to assess the content and tone of those conversations.
According to that outlet, U.S. officials directly warned their Cuban counterparts that the regime has "a small opportunity to reach an agreement."
A State Department official cited by the Herald was explicit: “they have a short window of time” to implement reforms and make progress in the release of political prisoners.
Additionally, he emphasized one of the priorities of the Trump administration: “The Trump administration remains committed to the release of all political prisoners, including Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel Osorbo.”
The message was even more direct:
"As President Trump has stated, a new era for Cuba will dawn soon. The Cuban regime should stop playing games while direct talks are taking place. They have a small window of opportunity to reach an agreement."
The Herald also reveals that concrete proposals were put on the table, such as offering free Starlink satellite internet for the entire island, as well as discussing compensation for properties confiscated from American citizens, a historic conflict valued at over 9 billion dollars.
In parallel, Washington emphasized the need for "significant economic and governance reforms" that would attract foreign investment and expand political freedoms.
They would have also expressed concern about the presence in Cuba of “foreign intelligence, military, and terrorist groups.”
According to the Miami Herald, the conversations were preceded by "months of unofficial exchanges" between the United States and Rodríguez Castro himself, confirming the existence of a parallel negotiation channel.
Even during the visit, unusual movements were recorded: a US Navy MQ-4C Triton surveillance drone flew over the vicinity of Havana, indicating that the security component is also part of the equation.
The Cuban version of the meeting
The official Cuban version of the meeting, however, attempted to ease the tension.
The MINREX official Alejandro García del Toro stated that the exchange was "respectful and professional" and categorically denied the existence of ultimatums.
"In the context of the meeting, neither party set deadlines nor issued ultimatums," he asserted.
From Havana, the emphasis was placed on the energy crisis, attributed to the tightening of U.S. sanctions.
"The lifting of the energy blockade against the country was an absolute priority for our delegation," stated García del Toro, referring to Washington's measures as an "unjustified punishment."
In the midst of this scenario, the Cuban regime faces increasing internal and external pressures.
While the regime tries to project an image of control and dialogue, the conditions imposed by Washington -the release of political prisoners, economic opening, and guarantees of freedoms- put the leadership in an uncomfortable position.
The words collected by Fox News summarize the atmosphere surrounding these negotiations: “they heard that Cuba's turn is next.”
For now, the process remains shrouded in discretion, but the pieces that have come to light suggest a negotiation that is much more complex, tense, and decisive than both parties have been willing to admit publicly.
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