Heated UN Showdown: Mike Waltz Tells Cuban Minister To ‘Back Up’

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla engaged in a heated confrontation on Tuesday ahead of a vote on whether to condemn Washington’s long-standing economic and trade embargo against Cuba.

The dispute escalated when Parrilla approached Waltz’s podium during his address and accused the American envoy of lying. The confrontation forced the suspension of proceedings.

The clash came as Cuba accused the United States of pressuring countries to oppose the condemnation of the embargo, which has been in place for decades.

Parrilla has argued that recent restrictions on fuel supplies have further strained Cuba’s economy and healthcare system, allegedly contributing to a sharp rise in infant mortality and putting millions of lives at risk.

During his speech, Waltz launched a strong attack on Cuba’s leadership, accusing officials of corruption and hypocrisy while ordinary citizens face economic hardship. He displayed photographs of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro and current President Miguel Díaz-Canel wearing Rolex watches.

Referring to Castro’s watches, Waltz said their combined value could amount to 55 years of an average Cuban salary, according to the country’s own statistics. He then showed an image of Díaz-Canel, alleging that the practice extended beyond Castro’s leadership.

Parrilla invoked Rule 71, alleging a breach of UN procedures. Waltz dismissed his objection and repeatedly ordered him to step back. The exchange forced officials to suspend proceedings.

The Post also obtained video showing a Cuban delegate allegedly assaulting US spokesperson JP Freire and trying to seize his iPhone.

The confrontation underscored tensions between Washington and Havana over the decades-old US embargo against Cuba.

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