Cuba Confirms Recent Talks with US Officials in Havana Amid Energy Tensions

The Cuban government has confirmed that it held recent talks in Havana with officials from the United States, amid ongoing tensions related to US restrictions on oil supplies to Cuba. Alejandro Garcia del Toro, deputy director general in charge of US affairs at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated on Monday that the US delegation included assistant secretaries of state, while the Cuban side included representatives at the deputy foreign minister level.

Garcia del Toro said the exchange was conducted with respect and professionalism, and that the US delegation did not issue threats or deadlines, contrary to some US media reports.

to comments reported by Cuba’s Communist Party newspaper Granma, Garcia del Toro described ending the three-month-old US oil restrictions as a top priority for Cuba in the talks. He stated that the restrictions constitute economic coercion affecting the Cuban population and involve threats of tariffs on countries exporting oil to Cuba.

US news outlet Axios reported that officials from the administration of US President Donald Trump held multiple meetings in Havana on April 10, including with Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, grandson of former President Raul Castro. The meetings were the first visit by American diplomats to Cuba since 2016.

indicate that US officials outlined conditions for continued negotiations, including the release of political prisoners, an end to political repression, and economic liberalization in Cuba. Reuters reported that US proposals also include allowing Elon Musk’s Starlink internet terminals into Cuba and providing compensation for assets confiscated after the 1959 revolution.

A US official told Reuters that Washington is concerned about foreign influence on the island. The fuel restrictions have contributed to Cuba’s economic and energy challenges.

stated last week that Cuba is prepared to defend itself if the US acts on its threats. Leaders from Mexico, Spain, and Brazil expressed concern on Saturday about the situation in Cuba and called for dialogue. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Monday that there is no justification for a US attack on Cuba, emphasizing that the right to self-defense does not permit military intervention in other states based on differing political systems.