Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said he would not step down from power, rejecting the idea during a rare interview with NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” portions of which aired Thursday.

In the interview, conducted by journalist Kristen Welker, Díaz-Canel was asked whether he would consider resigning if it meant improving conditions in Cuba. He pushed back on the premise, questioning whether similar questions had been posed to other world leaders and suggesting the framing reflected U.S. government influence.

He emphasized that Cuba’s leadership is determined domestically, not by foreign governments, stating that the country operates as a sovereign state without a mandate from Washington. Díaz-Canel said his presidency is based on what he described as the will of the Cuban people, not personal or political ambition.

“If the Cuban people understand that I am not fit for office… I will respond to them,” he said, indicating that any decision about his leadership would come internally rather than through outside pressure.

The interview marks the first time in decades that a Cuban leader has appeared on U.S. television, underscoring the significance of the exchange amid strained relations between the two countries.

Díaz-Canel also criticized U.S. policy toward Cuba, describing it as “hostile” and arguing that Washington lacks the moral authority to demand political changes from the island. He said U.S. actions have harmed both Cuban citizens and the prospects for normal relations between the two nations.

At the same time, he signaled that Cuba remains open to dialogue, stating that Havana is willing to engage in discussions without preconditions and without requiring changes to either country’s political system.

The comments come as Cuba faces a deepening economic and energy crisis, which the government attributes in part to U.S. sanctions and restrictions on fuel imports. Ongoing but largely undisclosed talks between U.S. and Cuban officials have been acknowledged by both sides, though no formal agreements have been announced.