UNITED NATIONS, October 27, 2026 — Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla has clashed with United States Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz during a heated exchange at the UN General Assembly, with the Cuban diplomat accusing the American representative of lying about his country.

The confrontation erupted on Tuesday as Waltz addressed delegates ahead of a vote on a resolution calling for an end to Washington’s decades-old economic embargo against Cuba.

According to The New Republic, Rodríguez approached the podium during Waltz’s speech, demanding that the presiding officer address what he considered a violation of the General Assembly’s rules of procedure.

Waltz, who was criticising Cuba’s government and its human rights record, rejected the interruption, arguing that the Cuban foreign minister objected to the points he was raising.

“You can come and intimidate all you want, I ask you to back away from this podium!” Waltz told Rodríguez.

The US ambassador subsequently appealed to General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman, accusing the Cuban minister of attempting to intimidate him.

Rodríguez responded angrily, calling Waltz a liar as the two officials exchanged heated remarks.

“You are a liar!” Rodríguez retorted, according to *The New Republic*’s account of the incident.

The confrontation escalated, prompting the suspension of the meeting.

U.S. maintains an embargo on Cuba imposed in the early 1960s. Over the years, the UN has voted overwhelmingly against the blockade, urging the US to lift it.

Dispute Over US Embargo on Cuba

The diplomatic clash comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Havana over the US blockade, which has been in place for more than six decades.

The Cuban government has repeatedly condemned the restrictions, arguing that they harm the country's economy and impose severe hardships on ordinary citizens.

Waltz used his address to criticise Cuba’s leadership and blame it for the country’s economic difficulties, while Rodríguez has accused Washington of exerting pressure on other UN member states to oppose the resolution against the embargo.

The dispute has also extended beyond the General Assembly chamber. On October 19, US and Cuban representatives exchanged accusations at the UN headquarters during an event focused on allegations of human rights abuses in Cuba.

UN Vote Draws International Attention

The confrontation took place as the UN General Assembly prepared to consider its annual resolution calling for an end to the US blockade.

The non-binding resolution has historically received broad international support, although it cannot compel Washington to lift the restrictions. Only the US Congress can repeal the underlying embargo legislation.