WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump indicated on Sunday that the United States may soon reach a deal with Cuba or take other action, as talks between the two countries gain momentum amid Havana’s worsening economic crisis.
Read More: Trump signals potential deal as cuba faces worsening crisis
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “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. We’re talking to Cuba, but we’re going to do Iran before Cuba.”
🇺🇸 Trump anuncia que EEUU llegará a un acuerdo con Cuba «muy pronto». https://t.co/74ftqemArM
— okdiario.com (@okdiario) March 16, 2026
The comments highlight potential shifts in the long-strained US-Cuba relationship, which has been marked by sanctions, diplomatic friction, and disputes over migration and security for decades. Regional allies and investors are closely monitoring developments for signs of a policy change.
Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed on Friday that Havana had initiated talks with Washington. “These talks have been aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences we have between the two nations,” he said in a state television broadcast. Díaz-Canel expressed hope that negotiations could move the two nations “away from confrontation.”
Cuba is currently facing one of the most severe economic crises in decades. Fuel shortages, exacerbated by disruptions in imported oil, have forced authorities to implement rolling electricity outages and limit some public services.
Trump has repeatedly suggested that Cuba is eager to negotiate and may be on the verge of collapse, even referring to a potential “friendly takeover,” though he acknowledged it may not be entirely friendly.
Read More: Cuba signals openness to US talks but rules out political change
Despite the renewed contact, significant differences remain between the two governments. US officials indicate that any easing of sanctions or pressure will likely depend on political and economic concessions from Havana, while Cuban leaders emphasize that negotiations must respect the island’s sovereignty and independence.
Observers say the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the United States and Cuba can reach a substantive agreement or if tensions will continue to define their relationship.