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Cuba Open to US Talks But Rejects Pressure Amid Fuel Crisis, Says President

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel declared Cuba's openness to dialogue with the United States on any topic, but firmly rejected negotiations under pressure or preconditions. The statement comes amid a severe fuel crisis in Cuba, exacerbated by US pressure following its military operation in Venezuela and threats to block oil supplies. US President Donald Trump has claimed negotiations are ongoing and warned Cuba to make a deal, while the US State Department is providing humanitarian aid through the Catholic Church. Cuban officials blame decades of US sanctions for the economic crisis, though observers also cite internal mismanagement and a tourism slump.

Key Points: Cuba Open to US Dialogue, Rejects Pressure Over Venezuela

  • Cuba offers unconditional US dialogue
  • Rejects talks under pressure or preconditions
  • Faces severe fuel crisis from US pressure on Venezuela
  • US vows to block oil, offers aid via church
  • Crisis blamed on US sanctions and internal issues
2 min read

Cuba open to dialogue with US but not under pressure: President Diaz-Canel

Cuban President Diaz-Canel offers dialogue with US without preconditions amid severe fuel shortages and tensions linked to Venezuela. US maintains pressure.

"Cuba is willing to engage in dialogue with the United States... but without pressure or preconditions. - President Miguel Diaz-Canel"

Havana, February 6

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel stated that his country is open to dialogue with the United States on any issue but firmly rejected talks under duress, amid escalating tensions and severe fuel shortages triggered by US pressure following a military operation in Venezuela.

According to France 24, Diaz-Canel insisted on Thursday, "Cuba is willing to engage in dialogue with the United States, a dialogue on any topic... but without pressure or preconditions." He emphasised that negotiations must occur "from a position of equals, with respect for our sovereignty, our independence and our self-determination," and without "interference in our internal affairs."

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed ongoing negotiations with Havana, which Cuban authorities have denied, and warned the island to "make a deal" with Washington "BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE," asserting that Cuba was "ready to fall." Trump has vowed to block Cuba's oil access, including by controlling Venezuelan supplies after the ouster of its leader last month in a US operation, and threatened tariffs on nations aiding Havana.

The White House, through spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, described Cuba as being "on its last leg" and urged wiser statements toward the US President, while maintaining that diplomacy remains open.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the Miami-born son of Cuban immigrants, along with Trump, has openly expressed interest in regime change in Havana.

The communist nation faces an acute energy crisis, with no diesel or oil production from generators for weeks and reliance on dwindling Venezuelan shipments halted since December. Earlier on Thursday, hundreds of thousands in eastern Cuba endured prolonged blackouts due to a grid failure.

Diaz-Canel affirmed that Cuba retains international support, stating, "Cuba is not alone," though he avoided detailing allies or ongoing efforts to secure fuel.

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum noted diplomatic efforts to resume crude deliveries but ruled out risking US tariffs.

The US State Department announced USD 6 million in direct aid to Cubans via the Catholic Church, following USD 3 million in prior assistance delivered through local parishes.

Cuban officials attribute the island's deepest economic woes in decades, marked by fuel, food, and medicine shortages, to longstanding US sanctions. Observers also point to internal mismanagement and a post-Covid tourism slump as contributing factors.

Diaz-Canel highlighted the crisis as underscoring the need for renewable energy to lessen external dependence.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While I sympathize with the Cuban people facing blackouts and shortages, President Diaz-Canel's government must also look inward. Economic mismanagement and lack of reforms are huge factors. You can't blame everything on the US embargo, even if it's a major problem.
A
Aditya G
The focus on renewable energy is the key takeaway for me. Cuba's crisis shows why every country, including India, needs to be energy independent. Solar and wind are the future. Jai Hind!
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Priyanka N
It's sad to see. The common people always suffer in these geopolitical games. The US aid through the Catholic Church is a drop in the ocean. Real dialogue without preconditions is the only way forward.
M
Michael C
The US strategy of maximum pressure rarely works. It didn't work with North Korea, it's failing with Venezuela, and it won't work with Cuba. Time for a new diplomatic playbook.
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Kavya N
As an Indian, I feel for them. We've always believed in peaceful coexistence and non-interference. The language from the White House ("on its last leg") is so undiplomatic and unhelpful. The world needs more cooperation, not more pressure.

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