Trump Signals Potential Deal or Action with Cuba

President says talks ongoing, but Iran will come first

Mar. 16, 2026 at 6:37pm

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U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the United States could soon reach a deal with Cuba or take other action, signaling that developments in the long-strained relationship may come quickly. Trump said 'Cuba also wants to make a deal, and I think we will pretty soon either make a deal or do whatever we have to do,' adding that 'we're going to do Iran before Cuba.'

Why it matters

The comments come as tensions between Washington and Havana remain elevated following years of sanctions, diplomatic friction and disputes over migration and security. Any shift in U.S.-Cuba relations could have significant regional implications and impact investors and allies closely watching for policy changes.

The details

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said on Friday that the country opened talks with the United States as the island faces one of its most severe economic crises in decades. Díaz-Canel said the talks have aimed to 'find solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences we have between the two nations' and hoped they would move the two long-time rivals 'away from confrontation.' Trump has made a series of statements in recent weeks suggesting Cuba may be on the verge of collapse or eager to make a deal.

  • On March 15, 2026, Trump made the comments about potential action with Cuba on Air Force One.
  • On March 11, 2026, Cuban President Díaz-Canel said the country had opened talks with the U.S.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States.

Miguel Díaz-Canel

The President of Cuba.

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What they’re saying

“Cuba also wants to make a deal, and I think we will pretty soon either make a deal or do whatever we have to do.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“These ‌talks have been aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences we have between the two nations.”

— Miguel Díaz-Canel, President of Cuba (State television)

The takeaway

The potential for a shift in U.S.-Cuba relations comes at a critical time, as Cuba faces severe economic challenges and both countries navigate complex regional dynamics. Any deal or action could have far-reaching implications for the two nations and the broader region.