The US indicted Cuba's former President Raul Castro on murder charges linked to the 1996 downing of two planes that killed US nationals on May 20, 2026 [1, 2]. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Cuba poses a national security threat to the United States, saying diplomacy is preferred but "the likelihood of that, given who we're dealing with right now, is not high" [1, 2]. Rubio added, "Their economic system doesn’t work. It’s broken, and you can’t fix it with the current political system that’s in place" [2].

President Donald Trump indicated he may be the first US president to take military action against Cuba. He said, "I am likely to be the president to finally take action [against Cuba]... I would be happy to do so," but also said the US has the right to protect itself [1, 2]. The US has imposed a fuel blockade on Cuba, which has contributed to economic collapse, blackouts, and food shortages [1, 2].

Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez sharply rejected US allegations, accusing Rubio of lying to instigate military aggression that could provoke bloodshed on both sides [1, 3]. Rodríguez said, "Cuba is not, nor has it ever been, a threat to the national security of the United States. It is the U.S. government that ruthlessly and systematically aggresses the Cuban people..." [3]. He also denied Cuba is a sponsor of terrorism [1, 3].

The US government offered Cuba $100 million in humanitarian aid, which Cuba has accepted [1]. Cuba stated that the US systematically attacks Cuba through restrictions like fuel import limits and the blockade, pushing the population into desperation [1, 3].

On May 21, Cuban Foreign Minister Rodríguez publicly accused Rubio of lies and military incitement while Rubio and Trump issued statements threatening possible military action against Cuba [2, 3]. The disagreement over whether Cuba poses a genuine national security threat remains sharp, with US officials framing Cuba as a leading terrorism sponsor, while Cuban officials say the US is the true aggressor [1, 3].

The US plans to continue diplomatic efforts while maintaining pressure but has left the door open to military options. Cuba has accepted the humanitarian aid offered as tensions remain high [1].