The United States Central Intelligence Agency has confirmed that its director, John Ratcliffe, met with representatives of the Cuban government during a high-level visit to the island. According to a CIA statement, Ratcliffe traveled to the capital city of Havana to hold direct talks with officials from the Ministry of the Interior and heads of the island’s intelligence services.
The meeting focused on intelligence cooperation, regional security, and Cuba’s economic situation amid persistent tensions between Washington and Havana.
The visit included high-profile meetings with Interior Minister Lázaro Álvarez Casas and Raúl Rodríguez Castro, the grandson of former leader Raúl Castro and a security advisor. While Rodríguez Castro has never held a formal government post, he previously served as his grandfather’s bodyguard and later headed the Cuban equivalent of the Secret Service.
Ratcliffe reportedly conveyed that the United States is willing to explore a broader dialogue on economic issues, provided Cuba makes “fundamental changes.”
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The CIA shared photos on the social media platform X showing the delegation, led by Ratcliffe, in discussions with Havana authorities to document the historic diplomatic encounter.
Hours earlier, the Cuban government had already announced the visit, noting that the meeting took place within a “complex bilateral context” regarding the current international political climate. Havana used the platform to present evidence claiming the island poses no threat to the national security of the United States.
Cuban authorities argued that the evidence provided categorically demonstrates there is no legitimate basis for the country’s continued inclusion on the U.S. list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
Havana, Cuba pic.twitter.com/7S7TtJPyf5
— CIA (@CIA) May 14, 2026
According to the Associated Press, the meeting was also intended to promote political dialogue between the long-time adversaries who have faced decades of diplomatic friction. This marked the first time a U.S. government aircraft has landed in Havana since 2016, a significant milestone.
The visit occurs during a period of high tension following a recent energy blockade imposed by Washington, which has severely impacted the Caribbean nation’s daily infrastructure and power.
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In late January, President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on any nation selling or supplying oil to Cuba, further straining the already fragile economic relationship. Trump has also mentioned potential intervention, leading Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel to state that the island is prepared for conflict.
