Cuba President Manuel Diaz-Canel on Friday confirmed that his government is holding talks with the Trump administration to address "bilateral differences" and identify "areas of cooperation."
President Trump has tasked Secretary of State Marco Rubio to talk with Cuban officials, predicting the collapse of the 67-year-long communist rule under pressure from the U.S.
In January, Trump imposed a U.S.-quarantine against fuel imports to the island, halting Venezuelan energy deliveries to the country after deposing former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in a surprise military operation. Maduro was transferred to the U.S. to stand trial for drug charges.
"There are international factors that have facilitated these exchanges," Diaz-Canel said in his remarks, according to a social media post by Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla.
Diaz-Canel said the purpose of the talks is to "identify bilateral issues that require solutions" and to "find solutions" to the problems.
The objective of the talks is to "determine the willingness of both parties" to take concrete actions, the Cuban president continued, to identify areas of cooperation "to address shared threats and ensure the secure of both nations."
Diaz-Canel said the talks are "a very sensitive process that is conducted with seriousness and responsibility."
Trump has said the U.S. could carry out a "friendly" or "not friendly takeover" of Cuba. USA Today reported earlier this month that the administration is preparing an economic deal with Cuba that could be announced soon.
At least one of the provisions of the agreement could include a relaxation on Americans' ability to travel to Havana, USA Today reported, although Congress would need to provide approval.
Discussions have also reportedly included an off-ramp for Diaz-Canel and the family of Raul Casto, the former president and secretary of defense largely viewed as the main power broker in Havana, to remain on the island. The U.S. is also reportedly offering sanctions relief and deals on ports, energy and tourism.
Senate Democrats have filed legislation that would prevent the U.S. from using military force in Cuba without congressional approval to force debate on Trump's wide-ranging use of the military.
In addition to the U.S. operation capturing Maduro, Trump has ordered a months-long military assault on suspected drug-trafficking boats in the Caribbean and launched a war in coordination with Israel against Iran on Feb. 28.
The president has also carried out coordinated military operations with the Ecuadorian military; launched strikes against terrorist groups in Nigeria; entered into a previous round of strikes against Iran alongside Israel in June; and in March 2025 launched a two month-long military campaign against the Houthis in Yemen.