US in negotiations with Cuba after Venezuela alliance crumbles

US President Donald Trump has said that the United States is holding discussions with senior leaders in Cuba, just days after he threatened the country with tougher economic measures.

Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida on Sunday, Trump described Cuba as a struggling nation and said the US was exploring the possibility of reaching an agreement with its leadership.

“Cuba has been failing for a long time. It no longer has Venezuela supporting it. So we are talking to the highest leaders in Cuba to see what can be done,” Trump said.

“I believe we are going to make a deal with Cuba.”

However, Trump did not explain what the proposed deal would involve.

Since the removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on January 3, the Trump administration has increased pressure on Cuba. Venezuela had been a close ally of Cuba and a major supplier of oil to the island.

Last Thursday, Trump signed an executive order warning that the US could impose extra tariffs on countries that sell oil to Cuba. Shortly after, long queues were seen at petrol stations across Havana.

Trump and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is the son of Cuban immigrants, have openly expressed their desire for political change in Cuba.

Following Maduro’s removal, Trump warned Cuba to “make a deal soon” or face consequences. He also said earlier that there would be “no more oil or money for Cuba,” claiming the country was close to collapse.

In response, the Cuban government accused Trump of trying to destroy its economy. The country is already facing worsening power outages and fuel shortages, with long lines at gas stations becoming more common