US, Cuban officials hold rare talks in Havana, discuss reforms, internet access

U.S. State Department officials held rare meetings in Havana with Cuban officials, including a senior figure linked to the Castro family, in discussions that touched on democratic reforms, economic conditions, and potential cooperation on restoring internet access, Axios reported.

The talks, which took place last Friday (April 17), marked a notable diplomatic engagement as it was the first known landing of a U.S. government aircraft in Cuba since the Obama-era thaw in relations a decade ago.

According to Axios, the U.S. delegation met with multiple Cuban representatives, including Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, the grandson of former leader Raul Castro. He is known as Raulito and nicknamed "El Cangrejo" ("the crab"), and is viewed by U.S. officials as a key intermediary to his grandfather.

A senior State Department official said the U.S. side sought to underscore the severity of Cuba’s economic situation and the urgency of reforms.

"The Cuban economy is in free fall, and that the island's ruling elites have a small window to make key U.S.-backed reforms before circumstances irreversibly worsen," the official told Axios.

The discussions reportedly included an offer of assistance to restore internet connectivity on the island through Starlink satellite services, alongside broader calls for political and economic changes.

The U.S. side also reiterated longstanding policy positions, including compensation for American individuals and companies whose assets were nationalised after the 1959 revolution, the release of political prisoners, and steps toward greater political freedoms that could eventually lead to elections.

At the same time, U.S. officials raised security concerns over the presence of foreign intelligence and military-linked groups operating in Cuba.

"Concerns about foreign intelligence, military, and terror groups operating with Cuban governmental permission less than 100 miles from the American homeland," the official said.

The talks come at a time of heightened economic pressure in Cuba and renewed U.S. emphasis on regional security under President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

While Washington signalled openness to continued engagement, it also warned of consequences should conditions deteriorate further.

"President Trump is committed to pursuing a diplomatic solution, if possible, but will not let the island collapse into a major national security threat if Cuba's leaders are unwilling or unable to act," the official said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev