Full Breakdown
UN Shouting Match Highlights U.S.–Cuba Tensions Over Embargo Vote
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
The Confrontation on the General Assembly Floor
During a debate on the annual resolution condemning the United States’ decades-long economic embargo on Cuba, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz was interrupted by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla. Waltz was outlining alleged corruption by Cuban leaders when members of the Cuban delegation began slamming their table and demanding a point of order. Rodríguez walked to the podium and shouted, “You are a liar!” U.N. officials intervened to restore order, and the exchange was captured on video by multiple delegates.
02
Background: Longstanding Embargo and Recent U.S. Pressure
The resolution under debate calls for an end to the U.S. “maximum-pressure” policy that has been in place since the early 1960s. President Donald Trump’s administration has intensified the campaign, announcing in late January that any country supplying oil to Cuba would face U.S. tariffs. The policy has reportedly cut off fuel shipments, contributing to power outages that affect cooking, water, and communications on the island.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Vote History and Current Push
For the past 34 years, the embargo-condemnation resolution has received overwhelming support. The most recent vote recorded a tally of 165 in favor, 7 against, and 12 abstentions; Argentina, Ukraine and Hungary opposed the measure for the first time. While the resolution is not legally binding, it signals global opinion on the U.S. embargo. Waltz and other U.S. officials are using the UN platform to persuade member states to vote against the resolution this week.
04
Official Statements & Responses
- He argued that the wealth displayed belongs to the Cuban people and that the United States remains a primary fuel supplier, contrary to Cuban claims of a blockade.
- Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla countered by labeling Waltz’s accusations as lies and demanding that the General Assembly president call Waltz to order.
- The Trump administration maintains that the tariff threat is a lawful response to countries that aid Cuba’s oil needs, a stance presented as part of a broader effort to force political change on the island.
05
Criticism & Opposition
The Cuban delegation’s vocal protest, including the table-slamming and Rodríguez’s direct challenge, reflected longstanding opposition to U.S. attempts to link economic pressure with political reform.
06
Verbatim Quotes
- “According to the regime’s own statistics, that would pay for 55 years of an average Cuban wage,” — N. Mike Waltz, delegation's foreign minister
- “I know you don't like to hear this,” — N. Mike Waltz, delegation's foreign minister
- “He’s not going to intimidate me in the United States of America — like he tries to intimidate political prisoners,” — N. Mike Waltz, delegation's foreign minister
- “It’s not just watches, colleagues, it’s also a vast real estate empire,” — N. Mike Waltz, delegation's foreign minister