US President Donald Trump said on Sunday (Mar 15) that the United States could soon reach a deal with Cuba or take other action, signalling that developments in the long-strained relationship may come quickly.
“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,” Trump said to reporters on Air Force One. “We’re talking to Cuba, but we’re going to do Iran before Cuba.”
The comments come as tensions between Washington and Havana remain elevated following years of sanctions, diplomatic friction and disputes over migration and security, with regional allies and investors watching closely for signs of a policy shift.
Cuba’s President Miguel Díaz-Canel said on Friday that the country opened talks with the United States as the island faces one of its most severe economic crises in decades.