US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly engaged in private discussions with Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro, the grandson of former Cuban President Raul Castro. These talks, as reported by Axios, were not conducted through traditional Cuban government channels and were intended to explore potential future relations rather than negotiations. Rodriguez, 41, is believed to advocate for modernization in Cuba and favors improving ties with the United States.

Rubio, a Cuban-American whose parents fled Cuba during the Batista regime, has positioned himself as a strong opponent of the current Cuban government and has called for its replacement. The discussions suggest an interest in fostering a new approach to US-Cuba relations amid ongoing tensions. The State Department and the Cuban embassy in Washington did not respond to requests for comments about these talks, highlighting the sensitive nature of the discussions.

These conversations come at a time when US pressure is impacting Venezuela's oil supplies to Cuba, which are critical for the Cuban economy. The situation remains precarious for Cuba as it navigates its relationships with both the US and Venezuela, particularly in the face of economic challenges exacerbated by external influences. Rubio's discussions with Rodriguez may signify a shift towards more open dialogue about Cuba's future, reflecting a possible openness to change in relations with the US amidst these challenges.