Cuba Dismisses Media Speculations About Contact Between Marco Rubio and Raúl Castro's Relative

Cuban diplomat says reports lack official confirmation and are just speculation.

Mar. 1, 2026 at 8:07pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The permanent representative of Cuba to the United Nations, Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, dismissed as "speculations" the media reports about alleged contacts between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and a grandson of the Cuban revolutionary leader Raúl Castro. Soberón reaffirmed that Cuba relies "on public and verifiable facts" regarding the bilateral relationship with the US.

Why it matters

The alleged contacts between a top US official and a relative of a former Cuban leader could signal a potential shift in US-Cuba relations, which have been strained in recent years due to increased sanctions and pressure from the US. Cuba's dismissal of the reports as speculation highlights its cautious approach to engaging with the US under the current administration.

The details

Soberón questioned the credibility of the media reports, stating that the outlets later admitted they had no official confirmation of the alleged contacts. He reiterated Cuba's position of being "willing to engage in dialogue based on mutual respect, equal conditions, respect for sovereignty, respect for independence, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states." However, Soberón emphasized that any eventual conversation must take place in an atmosphere that allows for progress "without additional pressures" and that Cuba will not accept external conditions.

  • On Thursday, February 18, the Cuban diplomat made the statements dismissing the media reports.
  • On Monday night, US President Donald Trump asserted that his government is holding talks with high-level officials of the Cuban government, despite Havana's denials.

The players

Ernesto Soberón Guzmán

The permanent representative of Cuba to the United Nations, who dismissed the media reports as "speculations".

Marco Rubio

The US Secretary of State, who was allegedly involved in contacts with a relative of Raúl Castro according to the media reports.

Raúl Castro

The former Cuban revolutionary leader, whose grandson was reportedly involved in the alleged contacts with Rubio.

Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro

The grandson of Raúl Castro, who was reportedly involved in the alleged contacts with Rubio.

Donald Trump

The US President, who asserted that his government is holding talks with high-level officials of the Cuban government, despite Havana's denials.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The same media outlets later say that they have no confirmation of what they are publishing. Therefore, to me, it sounds like speculation. I base my statements on facts.”

— Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, Cuban diplomat (Orinoco Tribune)

“We do not impose conditions on anyone, but we also do not accept being imposed upon.”

— Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, Cuban diplomat (Orinoco Tribune)

“History has taught us that dialogue works when it is based on equality and mutual respect, not when there are pressures or impositions.”

— Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, Cuban diplomat (Orinoco Tribune)

The takeaway

Cuba's dismissal of the media reports as speculation highlights its cautious approach to engaging with the US under the current administration, emphasizing the need for dialogue based on mutual respect and equality without external pressures or impositions. The alleged contacts, if confirmed, could signal a potential shift in US-Cuba relations, which have been strained in recent years.