The United States has begun preliminary talks with Cuba, President Donald Trump said over the weekend, even as his administration ramps up economic pressure on the communist-led island by cutting off critical oil supplies.
Speaking to reporters while flying to Florida on Saturday night, Trump offered few details about the outreach but said simply, “We’re starting to talk to Cuba.”
Pressure Campaign Targets Energy Supplies
Trump’s comments come after a series of moves aimed at tightening the screws on Havana. In recent weeks, the administration cut off oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico, supplies Cuba relies on to keep its economy running. Trump suggested the strategy is already working, saying the energy squeeze would force Cuban leaders to negotiate.
Earlier this week, the president signed an executive order imposing tariffs on goods from any country that sells or provides oil to Cuba. The move directly affects Mexico, which stepped in as a key oil supplier after US-backed efforts led to the removal of Venezuela’s former president Nicolás Maduro.
Regional Concerns and Warnings
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum warned that the US measures could trigger a humanitarian crisis in Cuba. She said her government would explore alternative ways to continue assisting the island, despite the new US restrictions.
Trump pushed back on those concerns, saying a crisis was not inevitable. “It doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis,” he said. “I think they probably would come to us and want to make a deal.”
Hints of a Deal Ahead
While the administration’s exact goals remain unclear, Trump has increasingly focused on Cuba following tougher action against other US adversaries. He has repeatedly predicted that Cuba’s government is close to collapse and suggested negotiations could lead to major change.
“So Cuba would be free again,” Trump said, adding that he expects some form of agreement and that the US would approach talks with goodwill. “I think, you know, we’ll be kind.”
