HAVANA: Cuba has confirmed that it has opened talks with the United States government as the Caribbean nation struggles with a deepening economic and energy crisis caused by an oil blockade. President Miguel Díaz‑Canel announced on Friday that Cuban officials recently held discussions with representatives of the US government to address long-standing bilateral differences and explore possible solutions through dialogue.
Díaz-Canel said the negotiations aim to reduce tensions between the two countries and move relations away from confrontation. Speaking in a video broadcast on state television, he stressed that Cuba hopes to conduct the talks on the basis of equality, mutual respect, and recognition of each country’s political system and sovereignty. The Cuban leader expressed hope that dialogue could eventually produce concrete steps that benefit both nations.
Among those present during the announcement was Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, the grandson of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro and grand-nephew of revolutionary icon Fidel Castro. Rodríguez Castro, 41, who is widely known by the nickname “El Cangrejo” (“The Crab”), was seen seated behind Díaz-Canel alongside senior Communist Party officials. His appearance attracted attention because he does not officially hold a senior position within the party leadership.
The talks come at a time when Cuba is facing one of the worst economic crises in its recent history. The country has reportedly gone three months without receiving fuel shipments, triggering widespread electricity outages, soaring prices, and severe shortages of fuel and medicine. The energy shortage has left many Cubans without electricity for much of the day and has worsened public frustration after years of economic hardship.
The crisis intensified after the administration of US President Donald Trump moved to cut off Venezuelan oil supplies to Cuba and warned other countries against selling fuel to the island. Washington has also threatened tariffs on nations that continue oil shipments, significantly tightening pressure on the Cuban government.
Trump has recently made several statements suggesting that Cuba is nearing collapse and should reach an agreement with the United States. Earlier this week he even hinted at the possibility of a “friendly takeover,” while also warning that the situation might not necessarily remain friendly. These remarks have further heightened tensions between the two countries.
Despite the political standoff, many residents in Havana reacted positively to the news of talks, hoping they could ease the island’s severe energy shortages and economic difficulties. Some citizens said they were exhausted by persistent power blackouts and rising costs of living, and viewed dialogue with Washington as a potential step toward improving everyday conditions in the country.
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