HAVANA: Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel said on Monday that his government is not in talks with the US, after President Donald Trump warned Cuba to "make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE." Diaz-Canel insisted that any progress in US-Cuba relations must follow "international law rather than hostility, threats, and economic coercion." He added, "We have always been willing to hold a serious and responsible dialogue ... on the basis of sovereign equality, mutual respect, principles of International Law, and mutual benefit without interference in internal affairs and with full respect for our independence." Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez shared these statements on social media. Trump's warning came after a US military attack on Venezuela killed 32 Cuban officers and led to President Nicolas Maduro's arrest. Before the attack, Cuba received about 35,000 barrels of oil daily from Venezuela, plus supplies from Mexico and Russia. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum did not confirm current oil shipments to Cuba but said the aid has "been ongoing for a long time; it's not new." She added Mexico has enough oil despite production declines and is open to US-Cuba dialogue. Cuba is still struggling with widespread power blackouts, fuel shortages, and a failing electric grid. Experts warn that losing Venezuelan oil will worsen the island's economic woes, which worsened due to COVID-19 and strict US sanctions. Cuba estimates sanctions have cost $7.5 billion between March 2024 and February 2025, while tourism revenue was about $3 billion at peak. The crisis has also caused many Cubans to migrate, mainly to the US. Andy S. Gomez, an expert at the University of Miami, called the situation "very sad and concerning," and saw Diaz-Canel's remarks as buying time. He criticized Cuba for missing chances to improve US relations during Obama's presidency. Michael Galant from the Center for Economic and Policy Research said Cuba may want to ease sanctions and could discuss migration and security. He noted Trump might wait to deepen Cuba's economic crisis before any talks. Diaz-Canel stressed there are no talks with the US except for technical migration contacts. Despite tensions, daily life continues. Cubans like Oreidy Guzman and Meilyn Gomez expressed worry and hopes for change. Bartender Ruben Benitez said many Cubans would defend what they have if needed. The island remains tense as the future hangs in the balance.