A heated US-Cuba clash at the United Nations erupted on Tuesday after US Ambassador Mike Waltz accused Cuban leaders of corruption and flaunting expensive lifestyles, prompting a confrontation with Cuban Foreign Affairs Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla.
The exchange took place ahead of a United Nations General Assembly vote on a resolution condemning the decades-old US economic and trade embargo against Cuba. The confrontation interrupted proceedings as both sides traded accusations over the Cuban government's conduct and Washington's position on the resolution.
During his address, Waltz displayed a photograph of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro wearing two Rolex watches. He claimed each watch was worth around $40,000 and argued that their combined value equalled 55 years of an average Cuban wage, citing Cuban government statistics.
Waltz also displayed a photograph of current Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, alleging that he wore a Rolex as well.
Cuban Minister Challenges US Envoy at the Podium
As Waltz continued speaking, Rodríguez approached the podium and accused the US ambassador of lying. The Cuban minister also raised a point of order under Rule 71 of the General Assembly's rules of procedure, which allows representatives to raise procedural objections for consideration by the presiding officer.
Waltz rejected the objection and repeatedly demanded that Rodríguez move away from the podium. He accused the Cuban minister of attempting to intimidate him and appealed to General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman during the exchange.
Rodríguez responded by calling Waltz a liar. The confrontation escalated before proceedings were suspended.
Separate Alleged Assault Reported
The dispute reportedly extended beyond the podium. A video obtained by the New York Post showed J.P. Freire, a spokesperson for Waltz, being assaulted by another member of the Cuban delegation, who allegedly attempted to take Freire's iPhone while he recorded the incident.
The allegation adds another dimension to the confrontation, although the reported account does not establish the full circumstances of the incident.
Cuba Accuses Washington of Pressure Over Embargo Vote
Rodríguez has accused the United States of pressuring other countries to oppose the resolution condemning the embargo. He has also argued that recent US fuel restrictions have worsened Cuba's economic and humanitarian crisis.
According to the Cuban minister, the restrictions have placed additional pressure on healthcare services and threatened lives across the island.
The confrontation highlights the continuing tensions between Washington and Havana as the United Nations considers the long-running embargo. The dispute centres on competing allegations over Cuba's governance and the economic impact of US policy.
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