U.S. and Cuba clash erupts, halting UN debate on embargo resolution

A heated shouting match between U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez forced the UN General Assembly to suspend debate on a resolution to lift the U.S. embargo on Cuba on Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

What Happened

Waltz was speaking in favour of rejecting the non‑binding measure, which Cuba has submitted annually since 1992, when Rodriguez rose to the podium and demanded the speech stop. Waltz shouted that the UN was not a "communist dictatorship" and that Rodriguez could not silence him. Rodriguez retorted, "You are a liar!" The chair briefly halted the session, sent both delegations back to their seats, and then allowed Waltz to continue.

Reaction

Cuba accused Washington of an "unprecedented" pressure campaign that includes an oil blockade and broad sanctions that have crippled its economy, aiming to sway other countries to oppose the resolution. The row comes days after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged Cubans to discreetly work with the CIA to end the island’s communist government. Last year the resolution garnered its weakest support in two decades – 165 votes in favour, seven against and 12 abstentions – and a vote on this year’s text is slated for Wednesday, October 28.

Context

UN votes on the Cuba embargo are largely symbolic, as the embargo is imposed by U.S. law, and the annual tally often mirrors shifting geopolitical alignments and pressure tactics.