The 83-year-old looked alert as he spoke at length on international affairs on Mesa Redonda (Round Table), although his voice was weak at times.

Mr Castro warned the United States not to launch an attack against Iran.

At the weekend, images emerged of Mr Castro in public for the first time since July 2006 when he underwent major surgery and retired from public life.

His failing health forced him to hand over power to his younger brother Raul, 79.