The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is reportedly in covert discussions with Raúl Castro's grandson, as the United States ramps up its pressure on Cuba, which has been experiencing acute fuel shortages leading to daily power outages. This information comes from Axios, citing three anonymous sources. President Donald Trump, who recently denounced Cuba as a 'failed state,' has encouraged Havana to reach an agreement with Washington while simultaneously rejecting the notion of an operation to overthrow the regime. Since January, the U.S. has enforced an energy blockade on Cuba under the premise that the island poses a 'danger' to U.S. national security. The situation in Cuba has become dire, with citizens facing severe fuel shortages and regular power cuts. Trump's administration has intensified the longstanding embargo and is pressuring other countries to cease oil shipments to Havana, exacerbating the crisis. The developments highlight the precarious and tense relationship between the U.S. and Cuba, underscoring the challenges the island faces in light of the U.S. sanctions and the resulting humanitarian crises. As the U.S. continues its staunch stance against the Cuban regime, secret talks between Rubio and Castro's grandson may indicate a complicated and nuanced approach to diplomacy, balancing pressure with the potential for future negotiations.