Cuba says it is ready for a “substantive” dialogue with the United States, but makes clear that it will not discuss any changes to its political system. Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío emphasized this on Wednesday in an interview with CNN, at a time when the Trump administration is increasing pressure on Havana and leaving open the possibility of regime change.

“We are not ready to discuss our constitutional system, just as we assume the US is not ready to discuss its own constitutional system, political system, or economic reality,” Fernández de Cossío stated.

He added that the two countries have not yet established an official bilateral dialogue, although there have been “some exchanges of messages,” which, according to him, are linked to the highest levels of the Cuban government.

US officials push for regime change

His statements come days after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States “would like to see” regime change in Cuba, though he clarified that it is not certain Washington will actively pursue this goal.

Meanwhile, the Trump administration has intensified pressure on the Caribbean island, attempting to cut off oil deliveries. The US has already influenced energy flows from Venezuela after the removal of President Nicolás Maduro. Last week, Washington also threatened tariffs on countries exporting oil to Cuba, arguing that Havana poses an “exceptional threat” due to its alignment with “hostile countries and malicious actors” and its hosting of their military and intelligence infrastructure.

Fernández de Cossío firmly rejected this claim. “Cuba is not a threat to the United States. It is not aggressive toward them. It is not hostile. It does not host or finance terrorism,” he emphasized, urging Washington to ease its pressure campaign, which—he said—is already costing Cuba dearly.

Cuba’s energy crisis

Cuba faces a severe energy crisis, with frequent blackouts and long lines at fuel stations due to limited availability. Cuban authorities attribute much of the problem to US economic sanctions, though critics also point to a lack of investment in critical infrastructure. The deputy foreign minister did not rule out austerity measures and “sacrifices” to conserve fuel, without specifying the size of existing reserves. “What Cuba is experiencing amounts to a war at the level of economic coercion,” he said.

Donald Trump has stated that Cuba could avoid a full supply cutoff if it proceeds with “an arrangement,” which could include the return of properties seized from Cuban exiles after the 1959 revolution.

Shock in Havana after Caracas operation

Meanwhile, Havana was shocked by a US operation in January that led to the capture of Cuba’s key ally, Nicolás Maduro, and the deaths of more than 30 Cuban security personnel protecting him. Cuban officials have warned they will respond to any similar military action against the country, while state media has in recent weeks highlighted increased military exercises and preparations.

On Monday, the US president indicated that Mexico, a close ally of the Cuban government, would suspend oil shipments under US pressure. The Mexican government responded on Wednesday that oil contracts with Cuba remain in force, adding that alternative ways of support are being explored to avoid the impact of possible US tariffs.

At the same time, the US Embassy in Havana called on Americans in the country to take precautionary measures due to the energy crisis, advising conservation of fuel, water, and food, and to charge electronic devices. It also warned of cases where Americans were denied entry into Cuba and of increased government-supported anti-US demonstrations.