Havana — Cuba is seeking to mitigate the impact of intensified U.S. sanctions by pursuing economic reforms and courting foreign investment, while firmly rejecting political concessions demanded by Washington, according to Cuban officials.
In an interview in Havana, Carlos Fernández de Cossío, Cuba’s deputy foreign minister and a key government interlocutor with the United States, underscored that the island’s political system remains non-negotiable. “The government of the United States would not negotiate its Constitution and political system with another government. So there should be no surprise that Cuba is not ready to discuss its internal political issues with the United States,” Fernández de Cossío said.
Since the Trump administration escalated its campaign against Cuba, including a stringent oil embargo, the island has faced considerable hardship. Tourism has sharply declined and the national energy grid experienced multiple collapses in recent weeks. Despite these pressures, Cuba’s government remains stable.
The Cuban official described the current strategy as one focused on economic adaptation. Several recent policy changes aim to open the country to foreign investment as a way to counteract the effects of the embargo. “We introduced some changes in our economy a few weeks back. We believe they can allow us to cope,” Fernández de Cossío said. When asked if Cuban authorities are actively seeking oil shipments from allies such as Russia, Mexico, or Brazil to bypass U.S. sanctions, he expressed hope that international suppliers would gradually re-engage with Cuba, noting the “new world order” created by Washington’s extraterritorial sanctions.
U.S. officials have characterized Cuba as a national security threat, accusing the Cuban government of harboring terrorists and mismanaging its energy resources, claims that Cuban authorities deny. Washington has not clearly outlined what changes Cuba would need to implement to see a relaxation or lifting of the sanctions.
Regarding reports of a luxury resort development by an Emirati company that might involve the Trump Organization under the name “Trump Island,” Fernández de Cossío said the Cuban government is open to foreign investment from any country, including the United States. He noted that Cuban authorities have engaged with multiple business representatives worldwide and reiterated that U.S. laws, not Cuba’s policies, currently prevent American companies and individuals, including those connected to President Trump, from investing in the country.
When questioned about the possibility of a U.S. military intervention, a scenario discussed at times by former President Trump, Fernández de Cossío dismissed the idea as “absurd.” Nonetheless, he acknowledged that Cuba is updating its military preparedness, emphasizing the involvement of the entire population in defense plans to address the technological imbalance with the United States.
As talks between the two countries appear stalled, many observers inside and outside Cuba are closely watching for signs of whether either side will adjust its position amid mounting economic strain and geopolitical tension.