Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla shared a video on X this Tuesday, showcasing himself interrupting U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Michael Waltz, during the annual debate on the embargo against Cuba. Rodríguez framed this act as a defense of Cuban dignity against what he described as "blatant lies."
The chaotic scene, one of the most tumultuous in recent General Assembly history, unfolded when Rodríguez and other members of the Cuban delegation left their seats and approached the platform where Waltz was speaking. Assembly President Khalilur Rahman had to temporarily suspend the session, instructing Rodríguez, "Please return to your seat."
The Cuban delegation invoked procedural motions under Article 71 of the rules at least three times, which explicitly prohibits using such measures to challenge the substantive content of a speech. Each objection was overruled, allowing Waltz to continue his speech.
From the microphone, Rodríguez accused Waltz of lying: "Mr. Waltz, you're lying again. I wish you better performance in your future political roles. Your performance at the National Security Council and here at the United Nations is very poor. Get better informed."
The incident extended beyond the assembly hall. A member of the Cuban delegation attempted to snatch the phone from J.P. Freire, Waltz’s spokesperson, while he was recording the confrontation from the room.
During his address, Waltz launched an unprecedented offensive, presenting photographs of Rolex watches allegedly belonging to Fidel Castro worth $40,000—equivalent, he claimed, to 55 years of an average Cuban salary. He also displayed images of the Castro family's properties and information about the private island Cayo Piedra.
Waltz cited a Miami Herald investigation revealing that GAESA, the regime's military conglomerate, amassed $18 billion in profits and $14 billion in secret cash reserves. He concluded by urging his colleagues, "These bullies are asking for your vote. Don't give Havana another propaganda victory. Don't vote for the mistreatment of the Cuban people."
Following the uproar, Rodríguez released the video of the confrontation on X, portraying it as a diplomatic triumph. He accused the U.S. government of launching "a new desperate attempt to justify economic aggression against Cuba" and dismissed Waltz's speech as a "media circus."
Rodríguez did not address the disruptive nature of his actions or the Assembly President's directive.
This incident marks the latest in a series of escalations throughout 2026: in July, Rodríguez attempted to silence U.S. representative Jeffrey Bartos with two procedural motions; and on October 19, Cuban diplomats staged a protest in the UN corridors against former political prisoners José Daniel Ferrer and Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara during the "Cuba Libre" forum.
The vote on the annual resolution—non-binding and introduced since 1992—was scheduled for this Wednesday. In 2025, it garnered 165 votes in favor, the lowest since 2010, compared to 187 in 2024.
Insights into the Cuba-UN Diplomatic Clash
What was the main cause of the confrontation between Bruno Rodríguez and Michael Waltz?
The confrontation arose during a debate on the United States' embargo on Cuba, where Rodríguez interrupted Waltz, accusing him of spreading lies about Cuba.
How did the Cuban delegation attempt to disrupt the session?
The Cuban delegation used procedural motions under Article 71, which were repeatedly overruled, and physically approached the platform, leading to a temporary suspension of the session.
What evidence did Michael Waltz present during his speech?
Waltz showcased photographs of expensive Rolex watches linked to Fidel Castro, images of Castro family properties, and cited a Miami Herald investigation into GAESA's finances.