U.S. CIA Director Meets with Cuban Officials
According to the Cuban government, CIA Director John Ratcliffe recently led a U.S. delegation during a meeting with Cuban officials in Havana.
“Following the request submitted by the U.S. government for a delegation headed by CIA Director John Ratcliffe to be received in Havana, the Revolutionary Directorate approved this visit and the meeting with the Ministry of the Interior,” stated Granma, the official publication of the Communist Party of Cuba.
The Cuban government asserted that it does not pose a threat to U.S. national security, despite President Trump’s executive orders designating Cuba as a national security threat and enforcing sanctions on the nation as well as those assisting it.
“The evidence presented by the Cuban side and discussions held with the U.S. delegation clearly showed that Cuba does not represent a threat to U.S. national security, nor are there justifiable grounds for its listing as a country that sponsors terrorism,” the statement continued.
The Cuban government highlighted its history of opposing and condemning terrorism in all its manifestations.
“It was once again clear that Cuba does not harbor, support, or finance terrorist groups. There are no foreign military or intelligence bases on its territory, nor has it engaged in hostile actions against the U.S.,” the statement emphasized.
While the Biden administration lifted Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism back in January 2025, Trump reinstated that designation just days later upon returning to office.
During Ratcliffe’s visit, he met with Cuban Interior Minister Lázaro Alberto Álvarez Casas, who oversees Cuba’s intelligence services, as well as Raulito Rodríguez Castro, a government official and the grandson of former President Raúl Castro.
Moreover, a CBS News report indicated that the U.S. government is moving towards indicting 94-year-old Raúl Castro, Fidel Castro’s brother, related to the 1996 incident where planes from the humanitarian group Brothers to the Rescue were shot down.
Despite this ongoing tension, Ratcliffe traveled to Havana to convey Trump’s message to the younger Castro, suggesting that the U.S. is “willing to engage seriously on economic and security matters, but only if Cuba initiates fundamental changes.”
This visit followed a post by Trump on Truth Social outlining his perspectives on Cuba’s current state. He noted that no Republican had previously raised the issue of Cuba with him, describing it as a failing country in decline and mentioning that Cuba is seeking help.
“In the meantime, I’m off to China!” he added.
Additionally, the State Department reiterated its offer of assistance to the Cuban people, which includes funding for satellite internet and $100 million in humanitarian aid. Yet, it criticized the Cuban regime for refusing to accept this help while its citizens desperately need it due to the government’s failures.
“The regime must decide whether to accept our assistance or deny critical aid, which ultimately holds them accountable to the Cuban people,” the statement concluded.
