Rubio: US Open to Cuba Talks Only if Havana Accepts Political Transition

On September 23, 2026 Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would engage with Havana if it accepts a change of government, calling it a 'golden opportunity'. Cuba's envoy and foreign minister had said earlier in September that talks were frozen and no agenda exists. The statement followed a September 17 State Department sanctions round on eight Cuban entities and three individuals and a September 18 island-wide grid collapse.