The US president has claimed he may have the honor of taking the Caribbean island

US President Donald Trump has said he expects to have the "honor" of "taking Cuba in some form," claiming he could do "anything I want" with the Caribbean nation.

Trump made the remarks on Monday in the Oval Office despite ongoing talks between Washington and Havana as the island grapples with a deepening energy crisis and widespread blackouts amid a US oil blockade.

"I do believe I'll be... having the honor of taking Cuba. That's a big honor," Trump said, adding: "Taking Cuba in some form."

Pressed by reporters, Trump said the US could take different actions toward the island. "Whether I free it, take it. I think I can do anything I want with it, you want to know the truth," he said, without elaborating.

Trump spoke as Cuba plunged into a nationwide blackout on Monday. Nearly 11 million people were left without electricity as fuel shortages strain the country's aging power stations.

Following the US president's comments, the New York Times reported that American officials have signaled in negotiations that removing Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel could be a key objective in bilateral talks, though Washington has not publicly confirmed the demand.

The talks mark the first time in more than a decade that Havana has publicly acknowledged formal discussions with Washington. They follow weeks of power cuts, fuel shortages, and rising public anger after Venezuelan oil shipments were halted following the US seizure of President Nicolas Maduro and Washington's efforts to block other suppliers.

Trump has repeatedly threatened a "total oil blockade" of Cuba and warned that countries selling crude to the island could face tariffs.

Diaz-Canel said last week that any dialogue with Washington must be based on "equality and respect for the political systems of both countries," stressing sovereignty and self-determination. He added that Cuba has received no oil shipments for three months due to a "wicked" blockade, which he said has affected many, including children needing medical treatment.

Russia has condemned the US economic blockade of the island, calling the sanctions unlawful and destabilizing. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Moscow supports the "brotherly Cuban people in defending their national sovereignty."

(RT.com)