Cuba has said it is ready to hold talks with the United States without preconditions, as the country faces an escalating energy crisis and potential oil sanctions.
In a televised news conference on Thursday (5 February), President Miguel Díaz-Canel rejected the US president’s suggestion that the regime in Havana was “close to failing”.
“Cuba is willing to hold dialogue with the United States — a dialogue on any issue . . . with no preconditions . . . respecting our sovereignty, independence, self-determination,” he said.
“It is reprehensible that a power such as the US would adopt such a criminal policy against a country, as it affects food, transportation, hospitals, schools, economic production and the functioning of our vital systems,” Díaz-Canel said.
The Cuban president said they’re preparing a “defense plan” and stated that Cuba is a nation of peace and not a threat to the US.
“We aren’t in a state of war,” Díaz-Canel said, “but we are preparing ourselves in case we have to move to a state of war.”
The remarks follow indications of early diplomatic messaging and growing pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened tariffs targeting countries exporting oil to Cuba.
Key developments:
• Cuba has reportedly received no oil shipments since 9 January 2026.
• Data suggests national reserves may last 15–20 days at current consumption levels.
• Major power outages recently affected eastern provinces, including Santiago de Cuba.
• Tourism fell 18% in 2025, increasing economic strain.
• Havana plans to expand domestic oil production and solar energy capacity.
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