The United States could soon reach an agreement with Cuba or take other actions. This was stated by US President Donald Trump, quoted by "Reuters".
His words are a signal that a development in the long-strained relationship could occur quickly.
"Cuba also wants to make a deal and I think very soon we will either make a deal or we will do what is necessary," Trump noted. "We are talking to Cuba, but we will talk to Iran before Cuba".
His remarks come amid continued heightened tensions between Washington and Havana after years of sanctions, diplomatic friction and disputes over migration and security, with regional allies and investors watching closely for signs of a change in policy.
Cuba's President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Friday that the country had begun talks with the United States at a time when the island is facing one of its worst economic crises in decades.
"These talks aim to find solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences that we have between the two countries," Diaz-Canel explained.
He expressed hope that the talks would move the two long-time rivals "away from confrontation.".
The country's economic crisis has been exacerbated by disruptions to oil imports, which The island relies on the gas to power its power plants and transport networks. The fuel shortage has forced authorities to impose nationwide power outages and curtail some public services.
In recent weeks, Trump has made a series of statements about Cuba being on the verge of collapse and has been rushing to make a deal with the United States. Last week, he said Cuba could be the subject of a "friendly takeover", before adding: "And it might not be friendly".
Despite renewed contacts, significant differences remain between the two governments. U.S. officials have suggested that any easing of pressure will depend on political and economic concessions from Havana, while Cuban leaders insist that the talks must respect the island's independence.