• Cuba confirmed recent diplomatic talks with a US delegation in Havana.
• The talks focused on the current US energy blockade against Cuba, described as an unjustified punishment.
• Both nations emphasized a respectful and professional exchange during the discussions.
• US conditions for future negotiations include the release of political prisoners and economic reforms in Cuba.
• Cuban President Díaz-Canel stated the country is prepared to defend itself against potential US threats.

A senior Cuban diplomat confirmed on Monday that Cuba has held recent talks with U.S. officials in Havana, amidst escalating tensions over a persistent U.S. energy blockade. Alejandro García del Toro, the deputy director of U.S. affairs at the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the meeting as "respectful and professional," stating that no threats or deadlines were imposed by the U.S. delegation as has been reported by some outlets, according to SCMP and Le Monde.

The U.S. delegation included assistant secretaries of state and representatives from the Cuban foreign ministry, according to multiple reports. During the discussions, García del Toro emphasized that lifting the three-month-old U.S. oil blockade was a "top priority" for the Cuban government, which he accused of economic coercion and unjust punishment of the Cuban population, as highlighted by Al Jazeera and NPR.

U.S. officials have reportedly set conditions for future negotiations, including demands for the release of political prisoners and the cessation of political repression in Cuba. There are also calls for economic reforms, which further complicate the diplomatic landscape. The situation has become increasingly urgent as U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened tariffs on countries exporting oil to Cuba and hinted at military intervention, leading to concerns about a possible humanitarian crisis on the island, according to Le Monde and Al Jazeera.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has explicitly stated that Cuba is prepared to defend itself against any potential U.S. military action, reinforcing the high stakes of this diplomatic exchange. The ongoing dialogue has been viewed as a crucial opportunity for both nations to address pressing issues amid escalating tensions marked by threats from Washington, as reported by SCMP and NPR.