Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed that former leader Raúl Castro is playing a guiding role in early discussions with the Trump administration, underscoring the continued influence of Cuba’s longtime ruling network even years after formally stepping down from power.

The talks come as Cuba faces a worsening energy crisis, driven in part by a U.S. oil blockade that has cut off key fuel supplies and triggered widespread blackouts across the island. The negotiations remain in preliminary stages and are focused on bilateral issues, with both sides signaling firm positions on core political demands.

While Díaz-Canel remains the country’s official leader, the renewed visibility of the Castro family suggests that real influence within the Cuban system continues to rest with established power structures tied to the military and الحزب leadership. Analysts have long pointed to Raúl Castro’s enduring authority, particularly through his connections to major state-run enterprises and the armed forces.

Recent developments have further highlighted that dynamic. Raúl Castro’s grandson, Raul Guillermo Rodríguez Castro, has reportedly engaged with U.S. officials on the sidelines of regional meetings, while other relatives have taken on expanded institutional roles within the Cuban government. These moves indicate a consolidation of influence within the Castro network at a critical moment for the regime.

Among them is Oscar Pérez-Oliva Fraga, who has risen in prominence through appointments that strengthen his position within both the executive branch and the National Assembly. Under Cuba’s constitutional framework, legislative status is a key requirement for national leadership, fueling speculation about potential succession scenarios if political changes occur.

The Trump administration has maintained pressure on Havana, with Marco Rubio calling for leadership changes while stopping short of outlining a specific transition plan. Cuban officials, for their part, have rejected any negotiations involving internal political restructuring, emphasizing sovereignty and continuity of governance.

Despite the political standoff, both sides appear willing to engage at least at a technical level, driven in part by the severity of Cuba’s economic situation. The island has gone months without steady petroleum shipments, exacerbating shortages and increasing pressure on the government to find relief.

The growing role of Castro family members in this process signals that, even amid potential negotiations with Washington, Cuba’s leadership remains tightly controlled by a familiar inner circle. As talks progress, that reality is likely to shape both the direction of discussions and the limits of any potential agreement.