President Donald Trump confirmed that the United States has begun talks with Cuban leaders, even as his administration increases pressure on the island by cutting off critical oil supplies and targeting countries that continue to support Havana. Speaking to reporters Saturday night while flying to Florida, Trump said simply, “We’re starting to talk to Cuba,” without providing further details.
Oil Cuts as a Lever for Negotiations
Trump indicated that recent US actions—blocking oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico—are intended to push Cuba toward negotiations. The president suggested that restricting these energy supplies would compel Havana to engage with Washington, following the capture of Venezuela’s former president Nicolás Maduro earlier this year.
Cuba has become increasingly reliant on Mexican oil after Venezuelan shipments were cut. This past week, Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on any goods from countries supplying oil to Cuba, adding pressure on Mexico to limit its support for the island.
Concerns About a Humanitarian Crisis
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed concern that these moves could trigger a humanitarian crisis and said her government would explore alternatives to continue supporting Cuba. Trump downplayed the warning, stating, “It doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis. I think they probably would come to us and want to make a deal.”
Trump Predicts Change and a Deal
While the administration has not outlined specific objectives, Trump predicted that Cuba’s government is close to collapse and expressed confidence that negotiations would produce a deal. “So Cuba would be free again,” he said, adding that he expects an agreement and that the US would “be kind” in any resolution.
