CIA Director Arrives On Secret Visit To Havana Amid Protests
- 15.05.2026, 8:19
Senior U.S. officials met with representatives of Cuba's Interior Ministry.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe led a U.S. delegation on a surprise visit to Havana. Senior US officials met with representatives of the Cuban Interior Ministry.
The Reuters reports.
The visit was the first signal of a possible warming of relations between the countries, the agency adds. The main topic was security: the sides discussed the development of cooperation between law enforcement agencies. This concerns both regional and international interests.
The Cuban side said in a statement:
"Both sides also emphasized their interest in developing bilateral cooperation between law enforcement agencies for the security interests of both countries, as well as regional and international security."
Separately, Havana told the US delegation that Cuba does not pose a threat to the national security of the United States. That was a key message of the meeting. Washington has not yet provided extended comment on the conversation.
Trump's position and details of the delegation's departure
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the contacts in advance. A few days ago, he said the two longtime adversaries were "going to have a talk." The process seems to have gone faster than experts expected.
Reuters sources spotted a US government plane at Havana airport. The craft left the island's capital on Thursday afternoon and immediately afterward Cuban state media published official confirmation of the meeting.
What is the situation in Cuba now
Protests have broken out in Havana over total blackouts resulting from the U.S. naval blockade of the island. Cuba has completely run out of oil and now medics are canceling surgeries, food distribution is slowing down and garbage is not being removed, which risks epidemics of infectious diseases.
The US has also started a strange activity near Cuba - launching a massive aerial reconnaissance. Analysts have already drawn parallels between this and events in Venezuela and Iran.
In addition to the blockade, Trump has also pressed the Canadians and now Cuba will be left without nickel. Mining company Sherritt is leaving Liberty Island, which will be another blow to the country's economy.