Trump rules out military action as Cuba seeks dialogue

US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he expects Washington and Havana to reach a deal, explicitly ruling out the necessity of military force. Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for Tennessee, Trump said, "I would say we're going to make a deal with Cuba. I don't think we'll need the army." He added that the United States wants to help Cuba and open its doors to American citizens.

Cuba rejects threat narrative

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez addressed the UN General Assembly, asserting that his country poses no threat to the United States. He emphasized Havana's readiness for dialogue based on sovereign equality and respect for international law. Rodriguez declared, "Cuba is not a threat. The blockade is the threat," while expressing willingness to resolve bilateral differences through negotiation without interference or preconditions.

The minister highlighted that Cuba remains prepared to pursue trade, economic relations, and cooperation with the US, similar to its engagements with other nations. However, he accused Washington of intimidating businesspeople from various countries to abandon investments in Cuba and pressuring governments to reject Cuban medical services requested by their populations.

Impact of US sanctions

Rodriguez characterized US policy as an attempt to close all relief channels and survival means for Cuba. He stated that American economic sanctions target the entire Cuban population, causing humanitarian suffering. The foreign minister described the blockade as collective punishment and a crime prohibited under international humanitarian law.

This diplomatic exchange occurs against a backdrop of intensified pressure from the Trump administration, which has openly sought to overthrow the Cuban government. A US-imposed oil blockade earlier this year has placed severe strain on the island nation, exacerbating fuel shortages and power outages linked to deteriorating infrastructure.

Russia demands end to embargo

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also spoke at the UN General Assembly, calling on the United States to lift the embargo and remove restrictions on Cuba. He urged Washington to delist Cuba from the state sponsors of terrorism list. Lavrov expressed solidarity with the Cuban people and government, arguing that the use of force and Western double standards destabilize regions worldwide.

The US maintains a ban on Cuba that has lasted more than 60 years. The Trump administration escalated these pressures following its use of military force in January to oust Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.