U.S. President Donald Trump signaled that the U.S. government may open negotiations with the Cuban government in the near future after the war situation involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran comes to an end. He stated that Cuba is eager to make a deal with the United States, while Cuba is currently facing a severe crisis after the U.S. cut off oil supply routes from Venezuela, causing widespread power outages across the country.
U.S. President Donald Trump sent a clear signal that "Cuba" will be the next major target in foreign policy, focusing on making a new deal after nearly a week of military operations between the U.S.-Israel alliance and Iran.
During a White House reception for the Inter Miami football team, Trump spoke to the team's owner, who is of American-Cuban descent, saying they might "go home" soon, adding, "We want to finish this (Iran war) first, but it’s only a matter of time before you and many others can return."
Trump also emphasized to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio that the next mission is Cuba, saying, "We want to do that especially... Cuba," and added, "If we move too fast, bad things could happen."
Trump’s remarks come as Cuba faces a severe crisis after the U.S. launched operations in Venezuela and successfully captured Nicolás Maduro. Trump ordered a full suspension of oil shipments from Venezuela to Cuba, Cuba’s only major energy source, and threatened to impose tariffs on any country selling oil to Cuba.
In a previous interview with Politico, Trump said, "We cut off both oil and money—or simply everything coming from Venezuela. Now they want to make a deal. They need help, and we are talking with Cuba."
Cuba is currently experiencing widespread power outages affecting healthcare systems and access to drinking water. United Nations data shows over 2 million Cubans have been continuously affected by Hurricane Melissa in October, while more than 5 million patients with chronic illnesses depend on electricity for treatment. Ten percent of the population relies on water delivered by trucks using electric pumps.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines the situation as an "economic and social crisis exacerbated by cascading disasters," with reports of damage to over 385 healthcare facilities and outbreaks of dengue fever and Oropouche virus.
In addition to internal crises, Cuba is facing diplomatic storms as Ecuador’s government declared the Cuban ambassador persona non grata and ordered him to leave the country within 48 hours without specifying reasons. Reports emerged of document burning on the roof of the Cuban embassy in Quito following the announcement.
. ABC News