Miguel Diaz-Canel said discussions were held to find a solution “through dialogue” as the US government tightens its oil blockade.
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Published March 13, 2026
Cuban officials have held talks with the U.S. government to find a solution to the crippling blockade it has imposed, President Miguel Diaz-Canel said, as the Trump administration’s threats to take over the Caribbean country escalate.
“These talks are aimed at finding a solution through dialogue to the bilateral differences between the two countries,” Diaz-Canel said in a video broadcast on state television on Friday.
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“International factors facilitated these exchanges,” Diaz-Canel said.
He said no oil shipments had arrived on the island in the past three months, which he blamed on the US energy blockade.
Vital oil shipments from Venezuela have been halted after the United States attacked the South American country and abducted President Nicolas Maduro.
The western region of Cuba was hit by a massive power outage last week, leaving millions without power.
The meeting came days after President Donald Trump laid out the latest threat against Cuba, saying the White House’s plans for the Caribbean nation could include a “friendly takeover.”
“Great impact”
Díaz-Canel added that Cuba, which produces 40% of its oil, generates its own electricity, but it is not enough to meet demand.
He said the power shortage had affected communications, education and transportation, forcing the government to postpone tens of thousands of surgeries as a result.
“The impact is enormous,” he said.
The president added that the purpose was to “determine the willingness of both sides to take concrete actions in the interest of the peoples of both countries.”
“Furthermore, we will identify areas for cooperation to counter threats and guarantee security and peace in both countries and the region.”
For decades, harsh U.S. economic sanctions against Cuba have paralyzed the Cuban economy and cut it off from world trade. In response, Cuba is dependent on oil supplies from foreign allies, including Mexico, Russia, and Venezuela.
