A recent leak from Washington confirmed that Marco Rubio, the U.S. Secretary of State, is not negotiating with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel but is instead communicating directly with the Castro family through Raúl Castro's grandson, Raúl Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, known as Cangrejo. This revelation aligns with longstanding speculations among Cubans both inside and outside the island. An official within the State Department clarified that these discussions should not be labeled as negotiations but rather as talks about the future, implying a cautious and non-binding approach.

Cangrejo, who is reportedly less prepared for state matters despite his family connections, has been chosen as the intermediary for these discussions. He is described as a prominent figure due to his descent from the powerful Castro family and his ties to Gaesa, a military conglomerate that manages significant financial operations within Cuba. The fact that Rubio is engaging with this younger generation of the Castro dynasty signals a shift in how the U.S. may approach Cuban leadership, focusing more on familial connections than on official state channels.

This development raises important questions about the future of U.S.-Cuba relations, especially if these discussions lead to any agreements or changes in policy. Analysts suggest that working with figures like Cangrejo who may lack experience in governance could lead to unpredictable outcomes, reflecting the delicate balance of power within Cuba's political landscape. As the U.S. administration considers its next steps, this unique negotiation dynamic with the descendants of the original revolutionaries may shape future diplomatic approaches toward Cuba, highlighting the complexity of engaging with regimes rooted in historical legacies.