Trump’s surprise statement: US and Cuba headed for a deal, military option off the table

President Donald Trump predicted on Saturday that the United States and Cuba will reach a deal and that he does not think military action will be needed.

«I would say that Cuba and we will make a deal. I don’t think we’ll need the military,» Trump told reporters at the White House.

The Trump administration has openly stated that its goal is to change Cuba’s government. A US-imposed oil blockade, enforced earlier this year, has put the country under severe pressure as it faces fuel shortages and worsening blackouts compounded by failing infrastructure.

«We want to help Cuba. We want to open Cuba up to our people,» Trump said before departing for Tennessee.

In a speech before the UN General Assembly on Tuesday, Trump called Cuba a failed state and said that «freedom will come» to the island nation. The Cuban delegation walked out of the hall during that speech.

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said at the UN later on Saturday that Cuba will always be open to dialogue with the United States. He did not specifically refer to Trump’s comments.

«We are open to trade and business relations with American companies, just as we are with any other country,» Rodriguez said, while also strongly condemning a US trade embargo on Cuba.

The US has maintained the embargo on Cuba for more than 60 years, and the Trump administration has increased pressure after using the military in January to topple Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.