Engagements with the Trump administration are occurring as nationwide power outages worsen due to Washington’s oil restrictions and the Iran conflict
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has verified that Havana officials are in discussions with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, as the island confronts a worsening energy crisis and extensive blackouts.
These talks take place amid growing economic pressure on the Caribbean nation, with Cuban authorities blaming U.S. sanctions and fuel supply restrictions for crippling the country’s power generation. The Iran conflict and the resulting surge in global oil prices have further exacerbated the situation. Crude oil briefly surpassed $110 a barrel this month, the highest level since the pandemic began.
In a Friday televised address, Diaz-Canel stated the discussions were “aimed at finding solutions through dialogue.” He provided no details on when or where the talks were happening, or which officials were participating.
This announcement marks the first time in over a decade that Havana has publicly confirmed formal talks with Washington. It follows weeks of power cuts, fuel shortages, and rising public anger after Venezuelan oil shipments halted—triggered by the U.S. action against President Nicolas Maduro—and as Washington ramped up efforts to block other suppliers. Trump has repeatedly threatened a “total oil blockade” of Cuba and warned that countries selling crude to the island could face tariffs.
Diaz-Canel noted that no petroleum shipments have reached the island in the past three months, adding that tens of thousands of people, including children, cannot undergo surgery due to the blockade.
Last week, Trump said Cuba “is gonna fall pretty soon.” He had previously suggested the U.S. could carry out a “friendly takeover of Cuba,” but also acknowledged it might not be friendly.
Diaz-Canel affirmed that Havana is entering the dialogue “without renouncing our principles or sovereignty,” and dismissed claims his government is near collapse, while admitting Cuba is facing one of the worst economic and energy crises in its recent history.
The Cuban government has long attributed its economic struggles to decades of U.S. sanctions, arguing they have stifled growth and limited access to global markets. To meet its energy needs, Havana has increasingly relied on oil deliveries from Mexico, Russia, and Venezuela.
Moscow has condemned Washington’s blockade of the island, warning that sanctions and other coercive measures violate international law and threaten stability. Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak said Russia is considering fuel aid to help ease Cuba’s energy emergency.