CIA Director John Ratcliffe held a rare high-level meeting with senior Cuban officials in Havana on Thursday as tensions continue between the United States and Cuba over economic sanctions, energy shortages and national security concerns.
According to Cuban and U.S. officials, Ratcliffe met with Raulito Rodriguez Castro, the grandson of former Cuban leader Raúl Castro, along with Cuban Interior Ministry officials and intelligence leaders during the visit. Discussions reportedly focused on intelligence cooperation, economic stability and regional security issues.
A CIA official confirmed the meetings and said Ratcliffe personally delivered a message from President Donald Trump stating that the United States is prepared to engage seriously with Cuba on economic and security matters if Havana agrees to major policy changes.
The official also noted that Cuban representatives used the talks to argue that the island nation does not pose a threat to U.S. national security, while criticizing Cuba’s continued designation by Washington as a state sponsor of terrorism.
The Cuban government described the meeting as taking place during a period of “complex bilateral relations” between the two countries.
The diplomatic engagement comes as Cuba faces a worsening economic and energy crisis fueled by fuel shortages, rolling blackouts and a collapsing power grid that has severely disrupted daily life across the island. U.S. sanctions and restrictions on fuel supplies have intensified the country’s economic hardship, leading to reduced work hours, food spoilage and growing public frustration.
Earlier this week, the U.S. State Department reiterated its offer to provide Cuba with humanitarian aid and satellite internet support if the Cuban government permits outside assistance.
Relations between Washington and Havana have become increasingly strained since President Trump threatened tariffs earlier this year on countries supplying oil to Cuba. Trump has also warned of possible intervention in the Caribbean nation, though reports suggest military action is not currently expected.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel recently declared that Cuba is prepared to defend itself if necessary, underscoring the rising political tensions between the two longtime adversaries.
The meeting between Ratcliffe and Cuban officials signals a potentially important shift in diplomatic engagement, even as both sides remain deeply divided on sanctions, security concerns and the future of U.S.-Cuba relations.