President Donald Trump predicted on Saturday that the United States and Cuba will reach an agreement, stating that military action would not be required. "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.
The Trump administration has previously stated its objective is to change the Cuban government. An oil blockade implemented by the U.S. earlier this year has placed significant strain on the country, contributing to fuel shortages and blackouts that are worsened by failing infrastructure.
"We want to help Cuba," Trump said before departing for Tennessee. "We want to open Cuba up to our people."
Earlier in the week, Trump addressed the UN General Assembly, referring to Cuba as a failed state and asserting that "freedom will be coming" to the island. The Cuban delegation reportedly walked out of the hall during his speech.
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez stated at the UN on Saturday that Cuba remains open to dialogue with the United States, though he did not specifically reference Trump's remarks. "We are open to commercial and business relationships with US companies, just as we are with any other country," Rodriguez said, while also condemning the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba. The U.S. has maintained its embargo on Cuba for over 60 years, and the Trump administration has intensified pressure on the island nation.