Cuba says US contacts fall short of formal talks as Trump pressure mounts

Cuba's top diplomat in Washington stated that while communication channels with the US remain open, no formal negotiations are underway, contradicting President Trump's claim of deep talks. Havana remains open to respectful dialogue but is not naive about Trump's threats and is increasing defensive preparations. The Trump administration has tightened the embargo, further restricting American travel to Cuba and access to US banking for its private sector. Cuba's red line remains that it will not negotiate changes to its political system.

Cuba's top diplomat in Washington, Lianys Torres Rivera, stated that while communication channels with the United States remain open, no formal negotiations are underway. This directly contradicts President Donald Trump's assertion at the United Nations last month that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was "deep into negotiations" with Havana. Torres Rivera said the contacts have included meetings, phone calls, and WhatsApp messages, but no progress has been made toward a negotiating agenda or restarting official talks. She declined to provide details on timing, topics, or participants. Cuba remains open to a "respectful" dialogue but is "not naive" about Trump's threats and has increased preparations to defend itself against any US military action. The Trump administration has tightened the embargo, further restricting American travel to Cuba and access to US banking for its private sector. Torres Rivera rejected US claims that Cuba is a threat to national security, calling the accusations a pretext for "collective punishment." Cuba's "red line" remains that it will not negotiate changes to its political system.