Havana has not rejected the Trump administration's offer but says it remains unclear whether the package would arrive as cash or assistance in-kind, while blackouts and protests spread across the island.
Havana keeps door open on US offer
Cuba is considering a $100 million aid offer from the United States even as the government says it cannot yet determine whether the money would come as cash or in-kind assistance, according to the Cuban side of the exchange.
The Trump administration tied the offer to political reform, with Washington blaming Cuba's communist leadership for standing in the way of any deal.
'Extremely tense' energy situation
Cuba's energy minister said the situation on the island is "extremely tense" and that the country has run out of diesel and oil. Large parts of eastern Cuba have been plunged into darkness in the latest round of nationwide electricity shutdowns, with blackouts triggering protests in affected areas.
A US-led blockade cutting off oil supplies to Cuba has been cited by the energy minister as the direct cause of the power cuts and fuel shortages. UN experts have warned separately of what they described as "energy starvation" as the blockade continues.
Sanctions and pressure campaign
US President Donald Trump has described Cuba as "a failed nation" as his administration expands its pressure campaign. Recent US sanctions targeted a military-controlled conglomerate on the island. Cuba condemned those measures as "illegal" and "abusive", with the Cuban government calling them "collective punishment" of the Cuban people.
The US Senate voted down a bid to prevent Trump from using military force against Cuba. Senator Tim Kaine argued that what the United States is doing to Cuba would be considered "an act of war" if directed at Washington.
Talks acknowledged, blockade the sticking point
Cuba's government confirmed it held talks with US officials on the island, describing the exchange as "respectful and professional" and free of threats. Havana said it wants the energy blockade lifted as a condition for any substantive progress.
The oil blockade has also struck Cuba's private sector hard, dealing a significant blow to small family businesses already struggling with persistent power outages and fuel shortages.
May Day celebrations in Havana coincided with the announcement of further US sanctions, underscoring the pace at which Washington has escalated pressure on the island.
