Cuba's Deputy Foreign Minister, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, has disclosed that Havana acknowledged a communication channel proposed by the U.S. administration. However, he clarified that these interactions failed to yield progress due to Washington's attempts to impose conditions on the Cuban government.
The remarks were made during an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic, recorded in Havana and aired on July 24th. "A few months ago, we had what we referred to as a communication channel. We refrain from calling it negotiations because there were no concrete negotiations taking place. It was a communication channel proposed by the United States, and we accepted it because we have always believed dialogue is preferable to confrontation," Fernández de Cossío stated.
According to Fernández de Cossío, these interactions aimed to convey to Washington that Cuba "is not an enemy" of the United States and to express Havana's willingness to build a relationship grounded in mutual respect and acknowledgment of each nation's sovereignty.
Stalled Dialogue and Continued Tensions
Despite these intentions, Fernández de Cossío noted that the process quickly became stalled. "The dialogue didn't progress significantly because the United States mistakenly believes it can impose its conditions on Cuba and extract concessions regarding our political and constitutional system," he asserted.
His comments surfaced just a day after the U.S. State Department announced a new round of sanctions targeting nine entities and two high-ranking Cuban officials, focusing on the military-run conglomerate GAESA, the energy sector, and the medical missions program.
Since early 2026, the administration under President Donald Trump has enforced approximately 250 sanctions against Cuba, including measures against Miguel Díaz-Canel, his wife, and various entities deemed strategic for the Cuban regime.
U.S. Conditions for Progress
The U.S. Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, stated on July 22nd that while the United States remains open to dialogue, any progress is contingent upon Havana implementing "real changes," such as releasing political prisoners and initiating political and economic reforms—demands the Cuban regime rejects.
Asked about the possibility of a third country mediating the rapprochement between the two governments, Fernández de Cossío argued that such mediation is unnecessary, as Cuba and the United States maintain diplomatic relations and have embassies in each other's capitals. Nevertheless, he left the door open under certain conditions.
"If there is a friendly country that understands Cuba's situation well, recognizes the importance of international law, and is willing to convey that collective punishment is not acceptable internationally, we welcome it," he remarked.
These statements arise amid escalating tensions between Washington and Havana. In the same interview, Fernández de Cossío warned that any potential U.S. military action would result in "massive loss of life" and "destruction," echoing a message similar to one expressed weeks earlier by Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez.
Although the deputy minister had previously denied the existence of formal negotiation talks with the United States in February, he did acknowledge the exchange of messages at the highest level. The interview with Al Jazeera provides the most comprehensive public explanation by a senior Cuban official regarding these direct contacts between the two governments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba-U.S. Relations
What was the purpose of the communication channel between Cuba and the U.S.?
The communication channel aimed to express Cuba's stance that it is not an enemy of the United States and to show Havana's readiness to build a respectful and mutually sovereign relationship.
Why did the dialogue between Cuba and the U.S. stall?
The dialogue stalled because the U.S. believed it could impose its conditions on Cuba and demand concessions related to Cuba's political and constitutional system.