Overview
- Ratcliffe, who met Cuban security chiefs Thursday in Havana, delivered President Trump's message that the U.S. will engage on economics and security only if Cuba makes fundamental changes.
- Cuba said it presented evidence that it is not a U.S. security threat and argued there is no basis for keeping the island on the list of state sponsors of terrorism.
- The State Department offered $100 million in humanitarian aid and support for satellite internet if Cuba allows independent distribution through groups like the Catholic Church.
- Cuba’s energy minister said the country has no fuel oil or diesel, with blackouts reaching 20 to 22 hours in some areas and hospitals and food supplies under strain.
- The talks included the first U.S. government flights to Cuba outside Guantánamo since 2016, and U.S. officials warned the window for a deal is short with enforcement of red lines if talks stall.