Trump Says U.S. “Starting to Talk to Cuba”

U.S. President Donald Trump says his government has started talks with Cuba, even as Washington moves to block the island’s fuel supplies. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Trump said simply, “We’re starting to talk to Cuba,” but offered no details on when the talks began or what issues are being discussed.

The comments follow recent U.S. actions to block oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico, moves Trump believes will push Cuba to negotiate. He has previously said that the Cuban government was “ready to fall” and insisted that pressure would lead to a deal. “It doesn’t have to be a humanitarian crisis,” Trump said. “I think they probably would come to us and want to make a deal. So Cuba would be free again.”

Last week, Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on goods from countries that supply oil to Cuba. That decision hit Mexico, which has been Cuba’s main source of fuel since Venezuelan supplies were cut. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum warned the move could spark a humanitarian crisis and promised to keep sending aid.

In Belize, Opposition Leader Tracy Panton previously criticised the U.S. measures, saying they punish ordinary Cubans. “Actions designed to deprive an entire population of energy are not ‘targeted’ measures. They amount to collective punishment,” she said. Panton warned that cutting off fuel could affect hospitals, water systems, food storage, and transport.