New York:The United States and Cuba engaged in a heated exchange at the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, as discussions about Washington's longstanding trade embargo against Cuba escalated into a tense verbal confrontation between the two countries' delegations.

According to Anadolu Agency – English, US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parilla clashed during the General Assembly's debate on a resolution calling for the end of the US economic, commercial, and financial embargo on Cuba. Waltz criticized the Cuban government, accusing it of enriching its elite while ordinary citizens face shortages and economic challenges. He disputed Cuba's characterization of US measures as a blockade, stating, "There is no blockade. A blockade is a ring of military ships around an island. It doesn't exist."

The Cuban delegation interrupted Waltz's speech multiple times, prompting intervention from the UN president to remind both parties of the assembly's rules. During the exchange, Waltz directly addressed the Cuban side, asserting, "This is America, my friend. This is the United Nations. This isn't your communist dictatorship. You cannot silence me."

Cuban Minister Parilla responded by accusing Waltz of making false claims and disrespecting the forum. He stated, "He is offending the dignity of the people and government of Cuba." Waltz defended his stance on the embargo, citing US trade with Cuba as evidence that the description of US measures by Havana was misleading. He highlighted that American companies had exported over $876 million in goods to Cuba during the first eight months of 2026, including $230 million in fuel for eligible private businesses.