Cuban president says Raúl Castro involved in US talks that are in early stages - AP News

Cuba's president has stated that former leader Raúl Castro is involved in early-stage negotiations with the United States, signaling potential diplomatic engagement between the two countries. Castro stepped down from power in 2021 but has retained significant influence in Cuban politics and foreign relations. The involvement of a figure of Castro's stature in talks suggests the discussions carry weight within Cuba's leadership structure. The timing and substance of these negotiations remain unclear, though any formal diplomatic breakthrough would mark a significant shift in U.S.-Cuban relations, which have remained strained despite periodic thaws over the past decade. The statement indicates Cuba is preparing groundwork for potential higher-level discussions, though both sides remain in preliminary stages of engagement.