President Donald Trump has said that the US is currently in talks with Cuba and that a deal could be reached soon, although he indicated that resolving the ongoing crisis involving Iran would take priority.
Speaking to reporters aboard the presidential aircraft Air Force One, Trump suggested that the long-strained relationship between the United States and Cuba could soon experience significant developments.
“Cuba also wants to make a deal, and I think we will pretty soon either make a deal or do whatever we have to do,” Trump said.
“We’re talking to Cuba, but we’re going to do Iran before Cuba.”
The remarks come amid renewed diplomatic contact between Washington and Havana following years of tensions marked by sanctions, migration disputes and political disagreements.
Cuba’s President, Miguel Díaz‑Canel, confirmed that discussions with the United States had begun as the Caribbean nation grapples with one of its worst economic crises in decades.
In a televised address, Díaz-Canel said the negotiations were aimed at addressing the longstanding differences between both countries through dialogue.
“These talks have been aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences we have between the two nations,” he said, expressing hope that negotiations would help move the relationship “away from confrontation.
Cuba’s economic challenges have intensified in recent months, largely due to disruptions in imported fuel supplies.
The country depends heavily on imported oil to power electricity plants and maintain transportation networks.
As a result, authorities have been forced to implement rolling power outages and limit some public services across the island.
Despite the renewed contact, major disagreements remain between the two governments.
US officials have indicated that any easing of economic pressure would likely depend on political and economic reforms from Havana.
Meanwhile, Cuban leaders insist that any negotiations must respect the country’s sovereignty and independence.
In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly suggested that Cuba’s government is under pressure and eager to strike an agreement with Washington, even remarking earlier that the island could face a “friendly takeover,” before adding that such a scenario might not necessarily be friendly.
