U.S. and Cuban officials clash at UN debate over economic embargo

U.S. and Cuban officials engaged in a heated shouting match during a United Nations General Assembly debate over the U.S. economic embargo against Cuba, WTOP reported. The confrontation occurred after U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Mike Waltz spoke against supporting the annual resolution condemning the embargo.

As Waltz detailed alleged corruption by Cuba's government, Cuban delegates loudly protested, with Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez calling Waltz a liar and slamming on the table, according to WTOP. Waltz responded by asserting American authority in the exchange.

The incident marked a rare break from typical diplomatic decorum at the U.N. and highlighted the ongoing tensions between the two countries amid the Trump administration's intensified economic campaign against Cuba. This includes tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba, which have led to widespread power outages on the island affecting essential services.

The U.S. delegation has been actively using U.N. events to persuade member states to oppose the annual resolution that criticizes the U.S. embargo, as reported by WTOP. This recent confrontation follows a similar exchange between Waltz and Cuban officials at a U.S.-hosted panel focusing on Cuba's government behavior.