US President Donald Trump has said he expects the United States and Cuba to reach an agreement, adding that military action against the island is unlikely to be necessary.
“I would say that Cuba and us will make a deal. I don’t think we’ll need the military,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Saturday.
Trump made the remarks before departing for Tennessee, as his administration continues to exert pressure on the Cuban government.
The US administration has openly stated that its objective is to change Cuba’s government. An oil blockade imposed by Washington earlier this year has placed further strain on the country, which is facing fuel shortages and power blackouts amid deteriorating infrastructure.
“We want to help Cuba,” Trump said. “We want to open Cuba up to our people.”
In an address to the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Trump described Cuba as a failed state and said “freedom will be coming” to the island. The Cuban delegation walked out of the hall during his speech.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said later on Saturday that Cuba remained open to dialogue with the United States, without directly referring to Trump’s comments.
“We are open to commercial and business relationships with US companies, just as we are with any other country,” Rodriguez said, while strongly condemning the longstanding US trade embargo against Cuba.
The United States has maintained the embargo for more than 60 years, while the Trump administration has increased pressure on Havana in recent months.
