Former Cuban leader Raul Castro is engaged in discussions between Cuba and the United States, according to current President Miguel Diaz-Canel. Diaz-Canel mentioned that the talks are in their initial phases, occurring amidst escalating tensions between the two countries. Cuba is facing widespread power outages due to a deteriorating power grid and a U.S. oil blockade enforced by President Donald Trump, who has threatened tariffs on nations supplying oil to Cuba. Trump recently hinted at assuming control over Cuba.
Diaz-Canel informed Spanish leftist figure Pablo Iglesias in a lengthy recorded interview that the Cuban government is collectively managing the negotiations. Despite assuming the presidency in 2018, Castro, the 94-year-old revolutionary and brother of Fidel Castro, is still regarded as the most influential figure in Cuba.
Iglesias visited Cuba as part of a delegation comprising 600 activists from 33 countries who aimed to provide humanitarian aid. Diaz-Canel explained to Iglesias that reaching an agreement through dialogues is a lengthy process that involves establishing communication channels, aligning interests, and demonstrating commitment to advancing common agendas.
The exact role of Castro in the negotiations remains uncertain. Raul Castro, who took over the presidency from Fidel Castro, led historic talks with former U.S. President Barack Obama in 2014, which led to the reopening of embassies and the restoration of diplomatic ties. However, Trump’s administration has adopted a more stringent stance, intensifying sanctions and implementing an energy blockade. Trump’s Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American, has been vocal in his opposition to the Castro regime.
In late January, Trump threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, aiming to influence the island’s political structure. Despite some softening of initial threats, the embargo persists, and Cuba has not received any oil shipments in the past three months. Prolonged power outages have severely impacted the island’s economy and daily life.
Diaz-Canel acknowledged recent talks between Cuban officials and the U.S. State Department, contrasting Trump’s aggressive rhetoric with a more measured approach. United Nations officials, including Francisco Pichon, expressed concerns about the humanitarian consequences of the escalating crisis in Cuba. The UN estimated that $94 million would be needed to address the energy crisis and hurricane damage from the previous year, emphasizing the urgent need for fuel and alternative energy sources to avert a worsening humanitarian situation.