US gets more countries to oppose UN resolution condemning its Cuba embargo

On October 28, 2026, during the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York, Ambassador Mike Waltz from the U.S. and Cuba's Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla engaged in a heated exchange on the floor of the General Assembly hall regarding the U.S. economic embargo against Cuba. The incident began when Waltz delivered a speech criticizing the Cuban regime, prompting Rodríguez to approach the podium where Waltz was speaking and challenge him.

During this confrontation, both sides shouted at each other while the assembly president attempted to restore order. This led to a shouting match between the two delegations, with some countries abstaining from or voting against condemning the U.S. embargo for the first time in years due to pressure from the Trump administration's lobbying efforts. The final vote on the resolution saw 130 nations supporting the end of the embargo, 25 abstentions, and 17 opposing it.

Cuba’s delegation accused Waltz of arrogance and hubris during this exchange, noting that such behavior is inappropriate at an international body like the UN. Meanwhile, U.S. officials claimed diplomatic progress despite initial setbacks, pointing to a significant shift in positions by several countries compared to previous years' votes on the issue. The resolution carries political weight but does not legally bind any country to change its policies toward Cuba.