Donald Trump has warned the US could take action in Cuba after his Iran war, days after a rare riot on the island.
The US president said on Sunday that they could reach a deal with Cuba or “do whatever we have to do”.
But Mr Trump suggested no action would be taken in Cuba until his war in Iran was over.
It also comes after a rare riot in Cuba on Saturday, during which protesters attacked the Communist Party office over blackouts, according to local media.
Iran war latest: Trump issues warning to NATO over Iran
‘We’re going to do Iran before Cuba’
Speaking to reporters on Air Force One, Trump said: “Cuba also wants to make a deal, and I think we will pretty soon either make a deal or do whatever we have to do.
“We’re talking to Cuba, but we’re going to do Iran before Cuba.”
He also suggested on Monday that Cuba may be the target of a “friendly takeover” before adding it “may not be a friendly takeover”.
His comments follow years of tensions between Washington and Havana, with sanctions and disputes over migration and security among issues.
Cuba’s President, Miguel Diaz-Canel, said on Friday his country had opened talks with the US as it continues to face one of its worst economic crises in decades.
‘Away from confrontation’
He said: “These talks have been aimed at finding solutions through dialogue to the bilateral differences we have between the two nations.”
Mr Diaz-Canel added that he hoped negotiations would move the long-term rivals “away from confrontation”.
Cuba’s economic turmoil has been exacerbated by disruptions in imported oil, which it relies on to run power plants and transportation networks.
Fuel shortages have also forced authorities to impose rolling electricity outages and to limit some public services.
During Saturday’s riot, the anti-government protesters began rallying peacefully before turning violent, a state-run newspaper said.
Read more:
Emergency crews called to 15-vehicle crash on motorway
Laptop found in search for missing academic
Videos on social media showed people throwing rocks through the windows of a building as they shouted “liberty” in the background.
Mr Diaz-Canel said he felt the anger was understandable but that “there would be no impunity for vandalism and violence”.
In recent weeks, Mr Trump has insisted Cuba was on the verge of collapse or eager to make a deal with the US.
