Havana

Luis Manuel Otero Alcantara, a prominent Cuban dissident artist and prisoner of conscience designated by Amnesty International, arrived in Miami on July 18, 2026, after serving a five-year prison sentence. He was convicted in 2022 for insulting national symbols, contempt, and disturbing public order. Otero Alcantara, leader of the San Isidro protest movement, was detained in July 2021 during mass protests. Upon arrival, he stated he would continue working for a free Cuba. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed his release and called on Cuba to free over 700 political prisoners. Otero Alcantara was awarded the Norwegian Rafto Prize for Human Rights in 2024. His release came amid heightened U.S.-Cuba tensions under President Donald Trump, and he was reportedly barred from returning to Cuba.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 19, 05:20 PM UTC

Cuba successfully restored its national power grid on Friday following a severe blackout that affected approximately 65% of the island earlier in the week. Despite the restoration, the country faces an acute energy crisis as oil reserves have been completely depleted. The national electricity company (UNE) confirmed that while the grid is reconnected, scheduled blackouts remain in effect due to the failure of key aging thermoelectric plants. The crisis has triggered public unrest, with residents in Havana and other areas protesting by banging pots and pans. The Cuban government attributes the shortages to the United States' energy blockade, which has been in place since January, while Washington blames poor management by the Cuban regime. Tensions between the two nations remain high under US President Donald Trump's administration, yet diplomatic engagement continues. Notably, high-level talks occurred recently, including a meeting between CIA Director John Ratcliffe and senior Cuban officials in Havana, aimed at easing bilateral tensions amidst the ongoing humanitarian and economic challenges.

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CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana in May 2026, marking the first U.S. government flight to Cuba outside Guantánamo since 2016. The high-level meeting occurred as Cuba faced a severe energy crisis with depleted fuel reserves. Ratcliffe delivered President Trump’s ultimatum demanding political reforms and the removal of key leaders in exchange for potential economic relief and humanitarian aid. While Washington pressed for security concessions and delisting from the terrorism list, Havana denied threats. This significant diplomatic engagement highlights shifting dynamics driven by Cuba’s internal instability and U.S. maximum pressure tactics.

11 reports · 11 sources · Updated May 18, 04:09 PM UTC

Residents in Regla, Havana, are expressing open frustration and exhaustion after enduring more than 26 hours without electricity. The prolonged blackout has led to long lines for basic services, with banks limiting cash withdrawals to 2,000 pesos (under $4 USD), a sum rendered nearly useless by high inflation. This local crisis reflects a broader national collapse of Cuba's electrical grid, which recorded a new outage peak on May 14, leaving 1,790 megawatts affected due to thermoelectric plant breakdowns and fuel shortages. While the government cites technical failures and US sanctions, citizens across various Havana neighborhoods have begun protesting, banging pots and pans to demand essential services like bread, water, and sleep. The energy crisis has become a symbol of state failure, with officials acknowledging the critical deterioration of infrastructure but offering explanations that no longer satisfy an increasingly angry population. The article highlights a shift from private complaints to public dissent, as everyday life becomes unsustainable for many Cubans facing consecutive days of darkness and economic hardship.

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The US Department of Justice is reportedly preparing to indict 94-year-old former Cuban President Raúl Castro for his alleged role in the 1996 downing of two civilian aircraft, which killed four Cuban-American activists. This legal move signifies a major escalation in tensions under the Trump administration, coinciding with intensified economic sanctions, fuel blockades, and severe internal crises in Cuba. While diplomatic channels remain partially open, the indictment aims to pressure Havana’s communist regime amidst regional geopolitical shifts, including the recent ousting of Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro.

51 reports · 28 sources · Updated May 27, 02:05 AM UTC

In May 2026, Cuba experienced significant civil unrest and widespread electricity blackouts driven by a critical shortage of oil. Residents in Havana took to the streets, lighting fires as a form of protest against the prolonged power outages that have affected various parts of the country. The root cause of this energy crisis is identified as the depletion of oil reserves previously supplied by Russia. With these essential fuel sources exhausted, the national power grid has failed to maintain consistent service, leading to public frustration and demonstrative actions. The situation highlights the fragility of Cuba's energy infrastructure and its dependence on foreign oil imports. The protests in the capital signify growing discontent among the population regarding basic service availability. This event underscores the broader geopolitical and economic challenges facing the island nation, particularly in relation to its energy partnerships and supply chain vulnerabilities. The immediate impact includes disrupted daily life for citizens and heightened social tension in urban centers like Havana.

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This article analyzes the shifting dynamics between the Cuban government and the United States in May 2026. It reports that CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Cuban Interior Minister Lázaro Álvarez Casas and Raúl Castro’s grandson, Raúl Guillermo Castro Rodríguez, in Havana. The meeting signifies the Castro dynasty's attempt to negotiate an exit from the economic and political dead end created by decades of communist rule. Under intense pressure from the Trump administration, which has tightened sanctions and isolated Cuba following the fall of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela, the regime is seeking a way out. The Cuban government denies supporting terrorist activities and has accepted $100 million in humanitarian aid mediated by the Catholic Church. The author suggests these negotiations may lead to profound reforms akin to Vietnam's market-oriented communist model, aiming to prevent total regime collapse while addressing widespread domestic unrest, blackouts, and poverty. The piece portrays the current leadership as weakened and compelled to seek American cooperation to survive.

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US President Donald Trump announced on May 12, 2026, that the United States will engage in dialogue with Cuba after Havana requested assistance. Despite labeling Cuba a "failed country" and maintaining harsh rhetoric, this marks a potential diplomatic shift following months of intensified sanctions, fuel blockades, and threats. The announcement coincides with Trump’s summit in China, where Beijing urged lifting the embargo. This development suggests a complex strategic maneuver amidst regional tensions, including recent US actions in Venezuela, blending coercive pressure with conditional negotiation offers.

11 reports · 10 sources · Updated Jun 3, 05:10 PM UTC

As Cuba faces severe shortages of food and fuel, the communist regime is increasingly relying on private businesses to sustain the economy. This shift occurs under intense pressure from the US administration led by President Donald Trump, which has imposed a de facto energy blockade to force political and economic reforms after 67 years of one-party rule. With the country completely out of diesel and fuel oil, and anger spreading among the populace, small-scale capitalists who were once persecuted are now viewed as essential to mitigating the crisis. The private sector, comprising over 9,200 small and medium enterprises, recently surpassed state-run companies in retail sales for the first time in 2024. Despite chronic shortages, regulatory instability, and power outages, entrepreneurs like Juan Carlos Blain continue to operate, providing essential goods to citizens who can no longer rely on government rations. The US government, frustrated by the lack of progress in opening Cuba's economy, has intensified its stance, with high-level visits emphasizing the need for radical change before any relief is considered.

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The United States has significantly increased military reconnaissance flights over Cuba, conducting at least 25 sorties since February 2026 using advanced surveillance aircraft. This escalation coincides with President Trump’s hardened rhetoric, new oil embargoes, and updated contingency plans for potential military action. The surge mirrors pre-intervention patterns seen in Venezuela and Iran, raising fears of imminent conflict. Combined with severe economic sanctions, these actions have exacerbated Cuba’s energy crisis and diplomatic isolation, marking a critical deterioration in US-Cuba relations and heightening geopolitical instability in the Caribbean region.

35 reports · 26 sources · Updated May 24, 10:29 AM UTC

On May 15, 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives narrowly rejected a War Powers Resolution aimed at ending President Trump's military attacks on Iran, marking the third failed attempt by Democrats to curb executive war powers. Tensions remain high as the CENTCOM commander denied civilian casualties in Iran, while Iran's Foreign Minister urged BRICS nations to unite against U.S. actions. Internationally, President Trump left China without reaching agreements on Taiwan or the Strait of Hormuz. In other developments, the CIA Chief visited Havana amid Cuba's fuel crisis caused by U.S. blockades. Violence continued in the Middle East and Europe, with UNICEF reporting significant child casualties in Israeli attacks despite a ceasefire, and a Russian missile strike killing 24 in Kyiv. Domestically, the Supreme Court preserved access to abortion medication Mifepristone, while Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks resigned abruptly. Additionally, Boeing agreed to a nearly $50 million settlement with the family of a 737 MAX crash victim, and Oklahoma death row inmate Richard Glossip was freed on bond after thirty years.

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Cuba is facing a severe crisis as fuel reserves are depleted, leading to widespread blackouts, water shortages, and growing public protests. Amidst this deterioration, the United States continues its blockade under a newly coined 'Donroe Doctrine,' which emphasizes maximum pressure through security threats and human rights demands. CIA Director John Ratcliffe recently visited Havana, signaling that the U.S. will only engage if Cuba implements fundamental economic changes and holds free elections. This hardline approach contrasts sharply with the Obama-era normalization efforts. Former President Trump has warned that Cuba is next in his campaign against hostile regimes, citing the recent capture of Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro as a precedent. Reflecting this geopolitical shift, the Herzfeld Caribbean Basin Fund (now HERZ) abandoned its focus on Caribbean equities in July 2025 to pivot toward U.S. credit markets. This move indicates that Wall Street no longer anticipates a thaw in U.S.-Cuba relations but is instead bracing for a total systemic reset in the region.

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CIA Director John Ratcliffe conducted a surprise diplomatic visit to Havana, meeting with senior Cuban officials including Interior Minister Lázaro Álvarez Casas. The talks, requested by the US government, aimed to convey President Donald Trump’s stance that the US is ready to address economic and security issues only if Cuba implements fundamental changes. Havana used the opportunity to assert that it poses no threat to US national security and argued for its removal from the US state sponsors of terrorism list, denying support for hostile activities. Concurrently, Cuba faces a severe domestic crisis as its power grid collapsed in eastern provinces, causing widespread blackouts and sparking protests in Havana. The energy shortage is exacerbated by dilapidated infrastructure and fuel shortages, with Russian oil aid delayed. This diplomatic engagement occurs against a backdrop of heightened tensions, following Trump’s re-imposition of sanctions and threats against countries supplying oil to Cuba in early 2025.

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CIA Director John Ratcliffe led a US delegation to Cuba for high-level talks aimed at reopening negotiation channels with Havana. The visit underscores the Trump administration's strategy of conditioning diplomatic progress on structural political and economic reforms within the Cuban regime. According to reports, Washington is intensifying pressure through targeted sanctions against military-linked conglomerates while demanding the release of political prisoners and compensation for expropriated assets. This diplomatic push occurs amidst a severe energy crisis in Cuba, characterized by fuel shortages and widespread blackouts. Despite these efforts, negotiations remain stalled due to internal power fragmentation in Cuba and a lack of concrete concessions from Havana. President Trump has recently labeled Cuba a 'failed nation,' reinforcing a stance that combines conditional openness with rhetorical hardening. The US government aims to weaken the economic core supporting the regime, hoping to increase the political cost of maintaining the status quo, though significant breakthroughs have yet to materialize.

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Small but visible protests broke out in Havana, Cuba, as residents expressed growing frustration over worsening shortages of food, electricity, and fuel. The Cuban government announced that the nation’s fuel reserves had been completely exhausted following the depletion of a 100,000-tonne emergency shipment of Russian crude oil that arrived in late March. Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy described the situation as very tense due to slowed fuel deliveries, while President Miguel Diaz-Canel attributed the crisis to US sanctions and the embargo targeting oil supplies. The infrastructure strain is compounded by eight ageing thermoelectric plants, many operating for over 40 years, which frequently break down. Earlier in the week, approximately 65 percent of the country experienced simultaneous blackouts, with some areas in Havana enduring power outages lasting more than 19 hours daily. In response to the unrest, particularly in eastern provinces and Havana neighborhoods where residents banged pots and shouted for restoration of services, authorities deployed a visible security presence. The crisis has intensified since January when tighter US restrictions disrupted fuel imports, exacerbating the humanitarian and economic challenges facing the island's 9.6 million inhabitants.

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In a significant diplomatic development, CIA Director John Ratcliffe conducted an unexpected visit to Cuba, where he held meetings with government representatives of the socialist Caribbean nation. This high-level engagement occurred against a backdrop of heightened tensions, as Havana vigorously defended itself against recent accusations of terrorism leveled by the United States government. Cuban officials firmly rejected these allegations, asserting that the island state has never supported or engaged in hostile activities against the USA. The visit marks a rare direct interaction between US intelligence leadership and Cuban authorities, suggesting complex behind-the-scenes diplomatic maneuvers despite public rhetoric. The event underscores the ongoing friction in US-Cuba relations, particularly concerning security concerns and mutual accusations. While the specific agenda of Director Ratcliffe's meeting was not fully detailed, the timing coincides with Havana's public rebuttal of terror claims, indicating a potential link between the diplomatic dialogue and the resolution or discussion of these serious charges. This incident highlights the persistent geopolitical complexities in the region.

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Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has called on the United States to lift its fuel blockade rather than provide conditional aid, as Cuba faces severe energy shortages and widespread power outages. The crisis intensified after US forces allegedly toppled Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January, cutting off a key oil supply line for Cuba. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered $100 million in humanitarian aid distributed by the Catholic Church, blaming the Cuban government for the suffering. Meanwhile, high-level diplomatic talks occurred in Havana, marking the first US government plane landing since 2016, with officials aiming to ease tensions despite ongoing hostilities. With only one Russian oil tanker having recently arrived and its supplies now exhausted, blackouts affect up to 65% of the country, sparking local protests. The Trump administration continues to seek regime change, reportedly considering indictments against Raul Castro, while Cuban officials frame recent diplomatic engagements as steps toward political dialogue amidst a collapsing economy.

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CIA Director John Ratcliffe conducted a historic visit to Cuba, marking only the second such trip by a US intelligence chief since the 1959 revolution. The visit occurred as Cuba faces severe energy shortages, with blackouts lasting up to 22 hours daily due to a US restriction on oil shipments implemented in January. This blockade followed a US military operation that removed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, cutting off Cuba's primary oil source. During the meeting, Ratcliffe conveyed Washington's willingness to engage seriously only if Havana implements fundamental changes to its communist political regime. The US State Department reiterated an offer of $100 million in aid contingent on these reforms, blaming the Cuban government for denying critical assistance. Conversely, Cuban officials emphasized interests in bilateral law enforcement cooperation for regional security while condemning the US blockade. The Trump administration continues to label Cuba an extraordinary threat, suggesting potential future interventions. Meanwhile, US military intelligence flights near Cuban cities have increased, heightening tensions as the island nation exhausts its fuel reserves and faces growing civil unrest.

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CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Havana on May 14, 2026, marking a significant diplomatic engagement as Cuba faces a critical shortage of oil and diesel. The visit was confirmed by both the CIA and the Cuban government, occurring amidst heightened tensions driven by President Donald Trump’s fuel blockade and efforts to isolate the communist regime. Cuban officials framed the meeting as an opportunity to reduce tensions and assert that Cuba poses no threat to US national security, while also denying allegations of hosting hostile activities against the United States. The island nation is experiencing severe power outages after its primary oil supply from Venezuela was cut off following the removal of Nicolas Maduro, with only limited aid from Russia failing to meet demand. While US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered $100 million in humanitarian aid conditioned on distribution by the Catholic Church, Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel urged the lifting of the blockade as the true solution. This high-level contact follows earlier diplomatic talks in April, signaling complex ongoing negotiations despite the adversarial political climate and economic strangulation imposed by Washington.

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The United States is preparing to indict former Cuban President Raúl Castro in connection with the 1996 shootdown of two civilian aircraft operated by the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue. This development was confirmed by sources familiar with the matter to Fox News Digital and initially reported by CBS News. The potential indictment comes amidst high-level diplomatic engagements, including a recent meeting in Havana between CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Cuban interior ministry officials. During these talks, Ratcliffe conveyed President Trump’s stance that the US is willing to engage on economic and security issues only if Cuba implements fundamental changes. The Trump administration has simultaneously intensified pressure on Havana through expanded sanctions targeting oil suppliers, exacerbating the island's fuel shortages and power outages. While the indictment requires grand jury approval, it signals a significant escalation in US-Cuba tensions. The charges specifically relate to the deadly incident thirty years ago, marking a continued legal and political confrontation between the two nations despite ongoing discussions regarding intelligence cooperation and regional security.

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Nearly four months after the implementation of an oil blockade by Donald Trump, Cuba continues to grapple with a severe energy crisis characterized by frequent power outages and fuel scarcity. In response, the Cuban government is increasingly relying on photovoltaic solutions, supported by partnerships with China, to mitigate the impact of these shortages. Small businesses and consumers are actively shifting towards alternative energy sources and electric transportation. For instance, upscale supermarkets in Havana are seeing high demand for electric tricycles imported from China, with prices hovering around $2,600. These vehicles are becoming essential as gasoline supplies dwindle, rendering traditional cars unusable for many. The article highlights the immediate economic adaptations occurring on the ground, where citizens and businesses are forced to innovate due to the lack of basic necessities. This transition underscores the broader geopolitical and economic pressures facing the island nation, as it seeks sustainable energy alternatives amidst ongoing international restrictions and internal infrastructure challenges.

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The Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) has confirmed that its director, John Ratcliffe, traveled to Havana for high-level talks with senior Cuban government officials. This rare diplomatic engagement involved direct conversations with authorities from Cuba's Ministry of the Interior and leaders of the island's intelligence services, including Interior Minister Lázaro Álvarez Casas and security advisor Raúl Rodríguez Castro. The discussions focused on intelligence cooperation, regional security, and Cuba's economic situation amidst persistent tensions between Washington and Havana. While the US expressed willingness to explore broader dialogue on economic and security issues, it conditioned this openness on fundamental changes within the Cuban government. This meeting marks a potential new chapter in US-Cuba relations, following years of cold diplomacy and recent increased pressure from Washington, including an oil blockade and expanded sanctions. Although previous physical meetings occurred in April without revealed progress, this visit signifies a continued, albeit cautious, effort to establish dialogue despite conflicting stances on political and economic reforms.

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CIA Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Havana for high-level meetings with Cuban officials, including Interior Minister Lázaro Álvarez Casas and negotiator Raúl Rodríguez Castro. The visit aimed to deliver a message from US President Donald Trump, demanding fundamental political and economic changes from the Cuban regime as a precondition for serious negotiations on security and economic issues. This diplomatic move occurs amidst a severe energy crisis in Cuba, where diesel and heating oil supplies have been exhausted following a four-month US blockade on oil shipments. While expressing readiness to negotiate, American officials explicitly stated that the use of military force remains an option. Concurrently, the US has imposed new sanctions on GAESA, a military-run business conglomerate, and foreign companies engaging with Cuba. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared the Cuban economy broken, while Havana maintains openness to dialogue on specific issues like immigration and drug trafficking but refuses to discuss changes to its internal political system.

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CIA Director John Ratcliffe held talks with Cuban officials in Havana to restore diplomatic ties between the United States and Cuba. The meeting occurred against a backdrop of severe crisis on the island, where widespread protests erupted following an announcement by Cuba’s Energy Minister that the nation had completely exhausted its diesel and fuel oil reserves. These shortages, attributed to a US fuel blockade imposed via executive order by President Donald Trump in January 2026, have caused power outages lasting up to 22 hours. During the discussions, the Cuban government emphasized that it poses no threat to US national security and denied allegations of sponsoring terrorism or hosting hostile foreign activities, specifically referencing claims about Chinese presence. The Cuban statement aimed to foster political dialogue despite the complex bilateral relations strained by the energy blockade. Meanwhile, residents in Havana demonstrated against the prolonged blackouts by banging pots and setting fires, demanding the restoration of electricity. This diplomatic engagement marks a significant attempt to de-escalate tensions amidst a humanitarian and infrastructure crisis driven by geopolitical pressures and energy scarcity.

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Cuba’s Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy announced that the nation has completely exhausted its reserves of diesel and fuel oil, attributing the crisis to continued US-led blockades on oil supplies. Speaking on state-run media, Levy warned that the energy system is in a critical state, with only limited gas available. The shortage has triggered severe blackouts in Havana, where residents face up to 22 hours without electricity daily, sparking protests in the capital and other cities. The energy crisis has severely impacted essential services, forcing the closure of government schools, offices, and tourism facilities, while hospitals struggle to function properly. Despite the humanitarian impact, tensions remain high regarding international aid; reports indicate US Secretary of State Marco Rubio rejected a Cuban counter-offer, though Cuba denied this claim. The US State Department reiterated an offer of $100 million in humanitarian aid, proposing distribution through the Catholic Church and reliable charities. This escalation follows fresh US sanctions imposed in May targeting senior Cuban officials for alleged human rights abuses, further squeezing the island's resources amidst existing shortages of food and medicine.

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John Ratcliffe, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), led a high-level US delegation to Havana for diplomatic talks with Cuban government officials. According to the Cuban government, the meeting was convened at the request of the United States and involved senior officials from Cuba's Interior Ministry. The primary objective of this visit was to foster political dialogue amidst historically complex and strained relations between the two nations. This diplomatic engagement marks a significant step in recent US-Cuba interactions, aiming to bridge gaps through direct communication. However, the atmosphere remains tense due to concurrent legal actions by the US Department of Justice, which reportedly intends to indict former Cuban President Raul Castro. This juxtaposition of diplomatic outreach and legal pressure highlights the multifaceted nature of current bilateral relations. The event underscores ongoing efforts by the US administration to engage with the socialist Caribbean state while maintaining accountability measures against its former leadership. The meeting took place in Havana, serving as a focal point for these critical discussions on political cooperation and regional stability.

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CIA Director John Ratcliffe conducted an official visit to Havana, meeting with Cuban intelligence officials and Raúl Rodríguez Castro, the grandson of former leader Raúl Castro. This high-profile diplomatic engagement occurs as Cuba faces severe humanitarian challenges, including daily power outages exceeding twenty hours due to halted oil shipments resulting from US sanctions on allies like Venezuela and Iran. While the US expressed willingness to discuss economic and security matters, it simultaneously demanded fundamental political changes from the Cuban government. The visit has sparked controversy and suspicion among the Cuban exile community in Miami, who fear the Trump administration may be prioritizing strategic deals over democratic reform. Complicating the narrative, reports emerged shortly after Ratcliffe's arrival indicating that Raúl Castro might face indictment. The meeting, publicly acknowledged by Cuba's Communist Party newspaper Granma, marks a significant but complex moment in US-Cuba relations, blending intelligence diplomacy with ongoing geopolitical pressure and internal Cuban instability.

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Cuba has officially declared the exhaustion of its oil reserves, triggering severe blackouts and protests in Havana. Energy Minister Vicente de la O Levy confirmed the absence of crude oil, gasoline, and diesel, attributing the crisis to a US-led blockade. The situation worsened after the US halted Venezuelan oil deliveries following the arrest of President Nicolás Maduro and pressured Mexico to cease supplies under threat of sanctions by President Donald Trump. While limited private imports and a Russian tanker provided temporary relief, electricity deficits remain critical as summer approaches. President Miguel Díaz-Canel blamed the US for a 'genocidal energy blockade,' contrasting current repression with previous diplomatic thaws. Meanwhile, the Trump administration justified its hardline stance by citing national security threats and alleged Cuban ties to hostile nations and groups. In a surprising development, CIA Director John Ratcliffe met with Cuban officials in Havana, where the US reportedly offered aid and free internet access. This geopolitical maneuver highlights the intensifying tension between Washington and Havana, impacting civilian life through prolonged power outages and fuel shortages.

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During Donald Trump's second presidency, CIA Director John Ratcliffe held meetings with senior Cuban government officials in Havana. The Cuban government stated the visit aimed to promote political dialogue and demonstrate that Cuba poses no threat to US national security, arguing against its inclusion on the US state sponsors of terrorism list. President Trump had reinstated this designation in January 2025. Concurrently, prominent Cuban dissident Sissi Abascal Zamora was released from prison and exiled to the United States. In domestic US news, the Supreme Court issued an emergency order staying a lower court decision that would have restricted access to the abortion medication mifepristone. The Trump administration opposed the lawsuit brought by Louisiana, asserting the state lacked standing. This legal development highlights the ongoing tension surrounding abortion rights following the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, with the issue expected to influence the upcoming November congressional elections. The FDA maintains that mifepristone is safe and effective, while conservative justices Alito and Thomas dissented from the unsigned order.

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On May 14, 2026, CIA Director John Ratcliffe led a US delegation to Havana for high-level talks with senior Cuban officials, including Interior Minister Lazaro Alvarez Casas and Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro. Ratcliffe personally delivered a message from President Donald Trump, stating that the United States is prepared to address economic and security issues only if Cuba implements fundamental changes. The meeting, confirmed by both Cuban state media and US sources, focused on economic stability, intelligence cooperation, and US demands that Cuba stop sheltering Western adversaries. While Fox News reported that the US offered a genuine opportunity for collaboration, it warned that the window for dialogue is limited. This visit occurred amidst severe internal crises in Cuba, including zero fuel reserves and public protests over living conditions. Although Cuban leaders expressed willingness to discuss humanitarian aid, they firmly rejected any notion of regime change. This marks the second recent flight by Trump administration personnel to Cuba, signaling intensified diplomatic pressure and potential shifts in bilateral relations under the current US administration.

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