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| FILE - CIA Director John Ratcliffe, accompanied by President Donald Trump, speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House in Washington, April 6, 2026, File) |
HAVANA — John Ratcliffe held rare high-level talks with Cuban officials in Havana on Thursday, signaling a potentially major shift in U.S.-Cuba relations as tensions continue to rise over sanctions, energy shortages, and regional security.
According to U.S. and Cuban officials, Ratcliffe met with Raúl Castro’s grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, Cuban Interior Minister Lázaro Álvarez Casas, and senior Cuban intelligence officials during the closely watched visit.
A CIA official said Ratcliffe personally delivered a message from Donald Trump, stating the United States is willing to seriously engage with Cuba on economic and security matters — but only if Havana makes “fundamental changes.”
The meetings took place against the backdrop of worsening economic conditions inside Cuba, where fuel shortages, nationwide blackouts, and power grid failures have intensified public frustration and increased pressure on the Cuban government.
Cuban officials insisted the island does not pose a threat to U.S. national security and criticized Washington for continuing to classify Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism.
The rare diplomatic contact also highlights growing concern in Washington over regional influence, migration, intelligence cooperation, and Cuba’s ties with U.S. adversaries.
The visit marks one of the most significant known U.S. government trips to Cuba outside of Guantanamo Bay in nearly a decade and follows earlier behind-the-scenes meetings between Cuban representatives and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration has continued to pressure Havana economically. Earlier this year, Trump threatened tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, while the U.S. State Department recently offered $100 million in humanitarian aid and satellite internet support if Cuban authorities permit outside assistance.
Although speculation about possible U.S. military action has circulated in recent weeks, sources familiar with the situation say no immediate intervention is expected.