Cuba is facing a full-blown crisis, and President Donald Trump says the U.S. is now talking with Havana about it. The island nation is struggling under an oil blockade that's grounded flights, stalled essential services, and created what Trump himself called a "humanitarian threat."

Planes Can't Fly, Services Can't Run

Speaking aboard Air Force One on Monday, Trump didn't mince words. He called Cuba a "failed nation" and pointed to fuel shortages so severe that planes literally can't take off. "We're talking to Cuba right now, and Marco Rubio talking to Cuba right now, and they should absolutely make a deal, because it's a humanity it's really a humanitarian threat," Trump said.

The situation stems from U.S. sanctions targeting Cuba's relationships with Iran, Russia, and China. The blockade has disrupted international airlines and medical services, forcing countries like Mexico to step in with 800 tons of humanitarian aid.

Rubio Leading Negotiations

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is heading up talks with Cuban officials, with economic reforms floating as one possible solution. Trump emphasized his concern for Cuban Americans who want to reconnect with family members under better conditions. He even mentioned that a military takeover "wouldn't be a very tough" operation, though he suggested it's probably unnecessary.

Cuba Fires Back

Cuban President Díaz-Canel isn't taking this quietly. Last month, he condemned Trump's tariff threats as attempts to "suffocate" Cuba's already struggling economy. The tariffs came after Trump declared a national emergency allowing penalties on any country supplying oil to Cuba.

Díaz-Canel called the policy "fascist, criminal and genocidal," warning it threatens Cuba's survival as the nation deals with fuel shortages and rolling blackouts. Venezuela condemned the U.S. penalties too, and Cuba's foreign minister declared an "international emergency."