Cuba Says US Contacts Aren’t Negotiations

Cuba's chargé d'affaires in Washington, Lianys Torres Rivera, told Reuters on Oct. 5, 2026 that Cuba and the United States maintain channels of communication—meetings, phone calls and WhatsApp messages—but are not in formal negotiations and have made no progress toward official talks. "What we have with the US is channels of communication," she said. That account contrasts with President Donald Trump's United Nations claim last month that Secretary of State Marco Rubio was "deep into negotiations." Trump called Cuba a "failed state"; the Cuban delegation walked out. A State Department spokesperson said talks are ongoing and Cuba has been unwilling to agree to anything that would help the Cuban people. Torres Rivera said Havana remains open to respectful dialogue but will not negotiate changes to its political system, and is increasing defenses: "Cuba has always been preparing for an aggression from the US. And we are increasing our capabilities now more than ever before ... It is to defend ourselves." The US tightened the embargo last week and maintains an oil blockade tied to fuel shortages and blackouts. Trump said he does not think the military will be needed.