Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said his country is ready to hold talks with the United States, but only if there is no pressure or force involved. His statement came after months of warnings and strong remarks from US President Donald Trump.

Trump has threatened to cut Cuba off from oil supplies and said the island nation was “ready to fall.” He also urged Havana to “make a deal” with Washington “BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE.” However, he did not explain what kind of agreement he wants. He has repeatedly claimed that talks are happening, but Cuban officials have denied this.

Diaz-Canel made his stand clear in a televised address. He said, “Cuba is willing to engage in dialogue with the United States, a dialogue on any topic… but without pressure or preconditions.” He stressed that any discussion must happen “from a position of equals, with respect for our sovereignty, our independence and our self-determination” and without “interference in our internal affairs.”

Tensions over regime change and diplomacy

Leaders in Washington have openly expressed their desire for political change in Cuba. Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have both indicated they want to see a shift in leadership in Havana.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt spoke strongly about Cuba’s situation. She said, “I think the fact that the Cuban government is on its last leg and its country is about to collapse, they should be wise in their statements directed towards the president of the United States.”

When asked about Cuba’s denial of ongoing talks, she said Trump was “always willing to engage in diplomacy and I believe that is something that is taking place, in fact, with the Cuban government.”

Oil pressure deepens crisis

Cuba’s economic troubles have worsened as energy supplies remain uncertain. The country has long depended on oil from Venezuela. But after a recent US military operation removed Venezuela’s leadership, Trump claimed control over Venezuelan oil and promised to block supplies to Cuba. He also warned other countries against stepping in, threatening tariffs if they help Havana.

These actions have increased fears of a deeper energy crisis. Fuel shortages have already made it difficult for power plants to run. Earlier in the week, a grid failure left hundreds of thousands of people in eastern Cuba without electricity for several hours.

Diaz-Canel admitted the country is facing an “acute fuel shortage.” He said, “We cannot openly explain everything we are doing,” but added, “Cuba is not alone.” He also revealed that electricity generation from diesel and oil-powered systems has been “zero” for weeks.

Aid, support and diplomatic efforts

Despite tensions, the US has provided limited humanitarian assistance. The State Department announced $6 million in aid for Cuban citizens through the Catholic Church. This came after an earlier $3 million package delivered through the same channels.

Mexico has also tried to help. President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government is using diplomatic efforts to restore oil shipments to Cuba. However, she made it clear that Mexico will not risk US tariffs while doing so.

Diaz-Canel said the situation shows why Cuba must invest more in renewable energy and reduce dependence on foreign fuel supplies.

Economic struggles continue

Cuban authorities blame US sanctions for the country’s worst economic crisis in decades. Shortages of fuel, food and medicine have affected daily life. However, analysts say other factors also played a role. They point to poor economic management and the collapse of tourism after the Covid-19 pandemic as major reasons behind the downturn.

Even so, Havana has repeated that it is open to talks. But it insists that any dialogue must be respectful and free from threats.