Cuba Denies Dialogue Table with United States but Declares Itself Open to Negotiations

February 3, 2026

The Cuban government has clarified that there is currently no formal dialogue table with the United States, although it keeps open the possibility of initiating conversations under certain conditions. This position was expressed by the Vice Minister of Foreign Relations, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, who specified that although there are no official negotiations underway, Havana is willing to explore diplomatic channels.

The statements from the high-ranking Cuban official contrast with recent assertions from Washington about the existence of active contacts with representatives of power on the island. The U.S. administration has suggested that it maintains communication with Cuban leaders, especially on issues related to the energy crisis facing the Caribbean nation.

Fernández de Cossío emphasized that Cuba is a peaceful country that represents no threat whatsoever to the United States, and that it aspires to maintain with Washington the same type of relations it maintains with the rest of the world. However, he made clear that there are "red lines" that are not subject to negotiation, including the country's constitution, its economic system, and its socialist model of government.

"If we can have a dialogue, perhaps that could lead to a negotiation," said the vice minister, adding that there are "many, many other issues" that could indeed be the subject of bilateral discussion.

The Cuban position comes at a time of severe economic crisis on the island, characterized by continuous blackouts, interruptions in oil supply from Venezuela, and the impact of U.S. sanctions that, according to Cuban officials, have cost the country more than 7.5 billion dollars between March 2024 and February 2025.

This apparent contradiction between the public statements of both governments has raised questions about the existence of discreet conversations that are not officially acknowledged. Analysts point out that various sectors of the regime—military, diplomatic, and economic—could be exploring survival strategies independently, although Cuban authorities present a united front publicly.