Cuba Says US Contacts Continue but Formal Talks Remain Stalled

Cuba and the United States continue to maintain communication channels, but no formal negotiations are currently underway as President Donald Trump intensifies pressure on Havana, according to Cuba’s top diplomat in Washington.

Lianys Torres Rivera, chargé d’affaires at the Cuban Embassy in Washington, told Reuters on Monday that Havana remains willing to pursue “respectful” dialogue with the United States. However, Cuba is taking Trump’s threats seriously and has strengthened preparations to defend the island against possible US military action.

Recent US-Cuba contacts have included meetings, telephone calls and WhatsApp messages, Torres Rivera said. Still, neither side has agreed on a negotiating agenda or taken steps toward restarting official talks.

“What we have with the US is channels of communication,” she said, declining to disclose details about participants, timing or subjects discussed.

Her comments contrast with Trump’s statement at the United Nations last month that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was “deep into negotiations” with Cuba. Trump also described Cuba as a “failed state” and predicted the government would collapse, prompting the Cuban delegation to walk out.

Tensions have intensified as Washington maintains an oil blockade that has worsened Cuba’s fuel shortages and electricity blackouts. UN human rights experts have criticized the blockade as violating international law.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said in June that discussions launched earlier in the year had stalled. He reiterated in September that no negotiations were underway or planned.

Torres Rivera said Cuba’s political system remains a “red line,” meaning Havana will not negotiate changes to its government. She accused Washington of using national security claims to justify economic pressure and “collective punishment.”

The Trump administration tightened the Cuba embargo last week, imposing additional restrictions on American travel and limiting US banking access for Cuba’s private sector.

Cuba, meanwhile, announced free-market reforms in June that could represent its biggest economic shift since Fidel Castro took power in 1959. Washington says those measures remain insufficient and continues to demand “free and fair” elections.

Trump recently predicted the two countries would eventually reach a deal and said military action might not be necessary. Cuba, however, continues preparing for potential conflict.

“Cuba has always been preparing for an aggression from the US,” Torres Rivera said, adding that Havana is increasing its defensive capabilities.