Cuba Confirms Talks with U.S. Amid Crisis
Cuba's President Diaz-Canel confirmed talks with the U.S. government on March 13, 2026, to address bilateral differences amid an economic crisis.
Lauren Collins ·
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel announced on Friday, March 13, 2026, that Cuban officials have initiated discussions with the U.S. government in Havana. These talks aim to resolve bilateral differences between the two nations, occurring amidst Cuba's severe economic crisis, characterized by frequent power blackouts and fuel shortages. The Cuban government had previously denied official encounters, despite U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated statements about high-level talks.
Diaz-Canel stated he directed the Cuban side of the talks, alongside former President Raul Castro and other high-ranking Communist Party officials. The U.S. delegation's participants were not specified. This development follows Trump's recent actions, including cutting Venezuelan oil shipments to Cuba and threatening tariffs on countries supplying oil to the island, intensifying pressure on the Cuban economy.
Trump has recently suggested Cuba might be open to a deal or even a "friendly takeover." The Cuban president's announcement comes after a February 5 event where he warned of the need for "extreme measures" due to the economic situation, exacerbated by a U.S. oil blockade.