ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) – President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. is initiating talks with Cuban leaders while simultaneously ramping up pressure on the communist-run island and cutting off critical oil supplies. This statement was made during a flight to Florida on Saturday evening.

Trump's comments followed recent actions to restrict oil shipments from Venezuela and Mexico. He indicated that these measures would compel Cuba to engage in negotiations. However, the specific objectives his administration has regarding Cuba remain ambiguous. The increased focus on Cuba comes after his administration's involvement in the ousting of Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro earlier in January.

During his comments, Trump expressed confidence that the Cuban government is on the verge of collapse. He did not elaborate on the nature or timeline of any recent outreach efforts to Cuba, merely stating, “We’re starting to talk to Cuba.” His administration's recent actions, such as cutting off oil supplies, have significantly affected the island's economy.

In the days leading up to his remarks, Trump signed an executive order imposing tariffs on any goods from countries that export or provide oil to Cuba. This decision applies pressure particularly on Mexico, which had become a key supplier of oil to Cuba after the U.S. halted shipments from Venezuela following Maduro's regime change. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has raised concerns that these U.S. actions could lead to a humanitarian crisis, stating her intention to seek alternatives to continue aiding Cuba.

Trump, in response to these concerns, suggested that the situation does not have to escalate into a humanitarian disaster. He expressed optimism that the Cuban government would be willing to negotiate, asserting, “I think they probably would come to us and want to make a deal... So Cuba would be free again.” He further predicted that an agreement with Cuba could be reached, adding, “I think, you know, we’ll be kind.”

This escalating geopolitical situation highlights the ongoing complexities of U.S.-Cuban relations amid a backdrop of broader regional tensions. Trump's administration continues to take a hardline stance against countries viewed as adversaries to U.S. interests, with Cuba now back in the crosshairs of U.S. foreign policy.

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Reported from Washington.