The Spanish outlet cites anonymous sources in the Mexican government regarding meetings between Raúl Castro’s son and U.S. representatives
14ymedio, Havana, February 5, 2026 – The front page of ABC this Wednesday expands on information previously reported by independent Cuban journalists such as Carlos Cabrera. Citing Mexican officials as sources, the Spanish newspaper reports that Havana is holding “discreet” talks with Washington aimed at guaranteeing the political survival of Castroism through economic concessions, with General Alejandro Castro Espín, the son of Raúl Castro, acting as the intermediary.
According to the report, he has been leading talks in Mexico City with U.S. intelligence agents, mediated by the government of Claudia Sheinbaum, in an attempt to negotiate a “transition” without the Cuban regime being overthrown.
The first exchanges have revolved around the possible easing of the embargo, which has intensified in recent weeks. This easing could occur by negotiating the entry of U.S. companies into important sectors of the economy, such as energy, tourism, banking, and communications. According to sources among Mexican officials consulted by ABC, a possible initial gesture would be the authorization of sales of American crude oil to Cuba in quantities sufficient to sustain its energy system, which needs between 100,000 and 150,000 barrels per day.
A possible initial gesture would be the authorization of sales of American crude oil to Cuba in quantities sufficient to sustain its energy system
This exchange occurred while, in statements to CNN, Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío denied the existence of a formal bilateral dialogue between Cuba and the United States, although he did acknowledge occasional contacts through messages. The official position of the Cuban government contradicts this, as do the statements of Donald Trump himself, who affirmed that negotiations are underway between the two countries.
President Miguel Díaz-Canel declared in his press conference this Thursday that “Cuba is willing to engage in dialogue with the United States,” on the condition that “we do not address issues that we could interpret as interference in our internal affairs.”
Since the U.S. capture of then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro on January 3 and the subsequent interruption of oil shipments to Cuba from Venezuela, Mexico has become the Cuba’s sole fuel supplier. However, increased pressure from Washington and the threat of tariffs appear to have deterred President Claudia Sheinbaum from sending more crude oil. Trump’s threats could deepen the humanitarian crisis on the island, at a time when Trump insists that the Castro regime is exhausted.
The potential opening sought through negotiations led by Alejandro Castro seems more like a maneuver by the regime to ensure its political continuity than a step toward democratization or genuine liberalization. The possibility of gaining access to U.S. oil is intended to avert what is known within Cuba’s own power structure as “Option Zero”—the complete paralysis of the country due to a lack of fuel, with no allies capable of sustaining the government—a scenario that has been looming over Cubans in recent days and that President Díaz-Canel appeared to allude to during his appearance this Thursday when he stated that the government is preparing a plan for an “acute fuel shortage” in response to pressure from the United States.
Translated by Regina Anavy
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