First Iran, then Cuba: Trump comments on US negotiations
Photo: US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump said Washington could soon reach a deal with Cuba or make other decisions regarding the island. According to him, developments in relations between the two countries could unfold quite quickly, according to Reuters.
Read also: US Senate moves to stop Trump’s Cuba war plans amid friendly takeover claims
Trump’s statement about negotiations
According to the American leader, the United States is already in contact with Havana, but plans to first discuss the situation with Iran.
“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 told journalists aboard Air Force One.
He added that dialogue with the Cuban side is ongoing, but Washington’s current priority remains negotiations with Tehran.
Cuba’s position
President of Cuba Miguel Díaz-Canel previously said that Havana has already begun negotiations with the United States.
According to him, the country is experiencing one of the most serious economic crises in recent decades.
“These talks have been aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences we have between the two nations,” Díaz-Canel said in a video address broadcast by state television.
The Cuban leader expressed hope that the talks would help the two states move "away from confrontation."
Economic crisis on the island
The country’s difficult economic situation is largely linked to disruptions in oil supplies, which Cuba depends on to operate its power plants and transport system.
Due to the fuel shortage, authorities have been forced to introduce regular power outages across the country and limit the operation of some state services.
What Washington says
In recent weeks, Donald Trump has repeatedly said that Cuba is on the verge of economic collapse and is interested in reaching an agreement with the United States.
Earlier, he even suggested that the island could become the object of a “friendly takeover,” though he later added that “it could also be an unfriendly takeover.”
Despite the start of contacts, serious disagreements remain between the sides.
In Washington, officials do not rule out that a possible easing of pressure will depend on political and economic concessions from Havana.
For their part, Cuban authorities emphasize that negotiations must take place with respect for the country’s independence.
It should be recalled that Donald Trump previously said that Cuba faces two possible scenarios for future developments. According to him, the country could agree to a “friendly takeover,” but if that does not happen, the process could also take place in an “unfriendly” form — although, as the American leader noted, it ultimately makes little difference.
It is also worth noting that Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel officially confirmed for the first time that the country’s authorities are holding negotiations with the United States. According to him, the dialogue is taking place amid a severe economic crisis on the island and increased political pressure from the administration of Donald Trump.
