Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said Friday that Cuban officials have held talks with the United States as the island struggles through a deep economic and energy crisis while facing mounting pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking in a televised address, Díaz-Canel said the discussions were aimed at identifying problems in the relationship between the two countries and exploring possible solutions. He said the Cuban side included himself, former leader Raúl Castro, and members of the Communist Party, though he did not specify who represented the United States in the talks.
“This is a very sensitive process that is being approached with responsibility and great sensitivity,” Díaz-Canel said, describing the negotiations as an effort to address longstanding disputes between Havana and Washington.
Crisis deepens across Cuba
The talks come as Cuba faces one of its worst economic crises in years. A severe fuel shortage has led to widespread blackouts, transportation disruptions, and growing hardship for the country’s population.
Cuban officials say the crisis worsened after the United States cut off oil shipments from Venezuela earlier this year following a U.S. operation that removed Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power. Without those supplies, Cuba has reportedly gone three months without receiving fuel imports.
Díaz-Canel blamed what he described as an “energy blockade” by the United States for the worsening situation. He said the lack of fuel has severely affected electricity production and daily life across the island.
“The impact is tremendous,” he said, adding that the shortages have created anxiety among ordinary Cubans.
Hospitals and services affected
The energy crisis has also begun to affect essential services. Díaz-Canel said hospitals are struggling to operate because of electricity shortages, leaving tens of thousands of patients waiting for surgeries that cannot currently be performed.
Power outages and fuel shortages have also disrupted transportation, food distribution, and other critical sectors of the economy, worsening conditions for many Cuban families.
Pressure from Washington
The announcement of talks marks the first public confirmation from Havana that discussions with Washington are taking place. Trump has previously said his administration was in contact with Cuban officials, suggesting the government in Havana was eager to negotiate.
Last week, Trump told CNN that Cuba’s government could soon collapse under economic pressure and claimed the country wanted to “make a deal so badly.”
For now, Cuban leaders say the dialogue is still in its early stages. Díaz-Canel emphasized that while negotiations may continue, the process will be handled carefully as both countries navigate one of the most tense periods in their relationship in recent years.