gain strength or cut first?

[fes28]

Hi Guys i am trying to start working out on a very serious and committed level and need help.

I am 6'3 290 24 years old and I would guesstimate 35% fat used to play sports so I'm in a way still mobile, I can still touch a 10 feet rim and sprint with no problems.

Deadlift 6 45 lbs plates total plus 2 25 lbs plates total for 5 reps

squat 6 plates total for 3 reps

bench press 4 45 plates total plus 2 25 plates total for 8 reps.

In my opinion for my height and weight I should be lifting much more, but a friend at the gym told me to cut first before I put on muscle and strength, but some other people tell me that cutting makes you loose strength, I definitely want to be strong but also want to eventually cut down to under 12% body fat, what do you recommend I do first? I'm pretty much a beginner because I was working out very sporadically and would skip weeks at times, sorry if I sound like a noob but I am asking for advice. Thanks

[AgentCooper]

On 35% there is no other option for you, different from cut, unless you are not a sumo wrestler. Yes, you willl lose some strength in the process. Good luck.

[Serpentarius]

lose fat/strength first, that is more important. You will lose some, but you are morbidly obese.

[tara19]

You are over-weight.
Losing weight and bettering your health should be the #1 priority.

[theanimal50]

Cut first and keep lifting weights aim to lose 1 to 1.5 lbs a wk

[RobertLxander]

Lift heavy, sprint often and eat a calorie deficit. You're pretty strong now, you could be a beast after a cut.