President Donald Trump told reporters that Washington has begun talking with Cuban leaders, even as his administration steps up economic pressure on the communist‑run island by cutting off crucial oil supplies and threatening tariffs on nations that help keep Cuba’s economy afloat. (AP News)
Oil Cutoffs as Negotiating Strategy
Trump said recent actions to halt Cuba’s access to oil — including stopping shipments from Venezuela after the capture of its president and moving to penalise countries that sell fuel to Havana — are designed to push Cuba toward negotiations. (AP News) Although he offered no specifics about the talks, Trump suggested that tightening Cuba’s energy lifelines would bring the island to the bargaining table. (Reuters)
The president signed an executive order threatening tariffs on goods from countries that supply oil to Cuba, a move that has put pressure on Mexico, which became Cuba’s main oil source after Venezuelan deliveries dried up. (AP News)
Regional Reactions and Humanitarian Concerns
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum warned that the U.S. oil pressure could trigger a humanitarian crisis and said her government would look for alternative ways to help Cuba. (AP News) Meanwhile, experts report that Cuba’s energy shortages have already led to blackouts and economic hardship, with critics saying the island’s economy is being squeezed from multiple directions. (Reuters)
Despite this, Trump insisted the situation “doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis” and predicted that Cuba would eventually seek a deal with the United States. (Reuters)
Unclear Talks and Future Prospects
While the U.S. president expressed confidence that a deal could be reached and said Cuba might be “free again,” there is little confirmation from Havana that formal negotiations are underway. Cuban leaders have previously stated they are not currently engaged in talks with the U.S. and have called for dialogue based on mutual respect and international law rather than coercion. (https://www.wflx.com)
As Trump continues to combine diplomatic overtures with economic pressure, the path forward between Washington and Havana remains uncertain.
