A U.S. delegation met Cuban officials in Havana for a renewed diplomatic push amid tensions, with Washington pressing Cuba on reforms while Cuba signals readiness to respond to threats.

The talks marked the first U.S. government flight to land in Cuba since 2016, signaling a renewed attempt at high-level dialogue.

Cuban President Díaz-Canel, speaking at a rally marking the revolution’s socialist emphasis, articulated Cuba’s preparedness to defend itself if necessary.

Raul Castro’s grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, participated in the talks, with his involvement indicating the high-level sensitivity and influence within the Cuban side.

Cuban Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the talks, while broader context includes the U.S. embargo pressures and Cuba’s economic crisis.

Cuban officials, including state media, described the meeting as respectful and professional, and identified the elimination of the energy embargo as a top priority.

A March entry of a Russian-flagged oil tanker into Cuban waters was noted as part of ongoing fuel relief, with the White House saying it does not indicate a policy shift but acknowledges Cuba’s energy needs.

Officials have not disclosed exact dates or participant identities beyond senior roles, and these are the first high-level talks since 2016.

A senior U.S. State Department official confirmed meeting with Raúl Castro’s grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, while avoiding full disclosure of other participants; Secretary of State Marco Rubio was not part of the delegation.

The discussions included U.S. proposals for reforms and potential access to free internet via Starlink, alongside conditions tying sanctions relief to political and economic liberalization.

Cuba pressed for the elimination of the energy embargo as a top priority, denouncing it as unjustified coercion, while the U.S. emphasized sanctions relief tied to reforms.

The talks were conducted by deputy foreign minister–level Cuban officials with a U.S. delegation reportedly including assistant secretaries of state, and both sides described the exchange as respectful and focused on engagement.