Cuba rejects Trump's claims of US diplomatic talks
Cuba's president Miguel Díaz-Canel firmly denied on Monday any ongoing diplomatic discussions with the United States, directly challenging President Donald Trump's assertion the previous day that the two countries were negotiating. The rebuttal came amid Trump's threats to halt all Venezuelan oil and financial flows to Cuba, urging the island nation to "strike a deal" before it is "too late."
Díaz-Canel addressed the issue on X, clarifying that no conversations exist with the US government beyond routine technical contacts on migration matters. This followed Trump's comments aboard Air Force One on Sunday, where he told reporters that the US was "talking with Cuba" and promised updates soon. The exchange highlights rising tensions after the US military operation on January 3 that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, resulting in the deaths of 32 Cuban security personnel.
Trump amplified his stance on Truth Social, posting in all caps: "NO MORE OIL OR MONEY FOR CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE." He did not elaborate on the terms of any potential agreement. In response, Díaz-Canel asserted Cuba's sovereignty, stating the nation is "free, independent, and sovereign" with no tolerance for dictation, and ready to defend its homeland "to the last drop of blood." He emphasized that progress in US-Cuba relations requires adherence to international law, not hostility, threats, or economic coercion.
The threats exacerbate Cuba's economic vulnerabilities. Venezuela had supplied roughly 26,500 to 35,000 barrels of oil daily, covering nearly half of Cuba's shortfall, but no shipments have departed since Maduro's capture. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez dismissed Trump's claims of compensation for security services provided to Venezuela, insisting Cuba has never received such payments and holds the absolute right to import fuel without US interference.
Trump also reshared a social media post suggesting Secretary of State Marco Rubio son of Cuban immigrants and a longtime critic of Havana should become Cuba's president, adding his approval. Meanwhile, Mexico has emerged as a key alternative supplier. President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed last week that her country has become a significant provider of crude oil to Cuba amid the Venezuela crisis, though without increasing delivery volumes.
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