The foreign minister’s comments came days after the United States told the United Nations that “freedom will come” to Cuba.
Published September 26, 2026
In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Cuba’s Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez condemned the US oil blockade against the country, calling it an “act of collective punishment” aimed at causing a humanitarian crisis.
His comments on Saturday came as tensions between Washington and Havana remained high and US President Donald Trump said he did not think military action would be necessary, but said he expected the two countries to reach a deal.
Recommended stories
list of 3 itemsend of list
“I would say we will make a deal with Cuba,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Saturday. “I don’t think we need the military. Cuba is failing badly. We want to help Cuba.”
In his UNGA speech, Rodriguez said Havana remained ready to negotiate.
“We have been and continue to be ready to engage in dialogue with the US government to find a solution to the various differences that exist between our two countries,” he said, adding that the dialogue must be based on “sovereign equality” and “without preconditions.”
Rodriguez also mentioned the possibility of U.S. military action, saying it would cause significant destruction.
“Let’s hope something like this never happens,” he said.
Earlier this week, President Trump called Cuba a “completely failed state” in his speech to the United Nations and said Cuba “will be free.” The Cuban delegation left during the speech.
The United States has maintained economic and trade measures against Cuba for more than 60 years. The Trump administration has previously said it wants regime change in Cuba. Since the beginning of the year, the United States has imposed further oil blockades, putting the country under severe pressure as it grapples with fuel shortages and ongoing power outages. Cuban officials also blame problems in providing food and other basic needs to the population.
The move has drawn criticism from countries including Brazil, Mexico and Pakistan, which have called for an end to the embargo and new oil blockades and opposed unilateral economic restrictions on Cuba.
Since 1992, the United Nations General Assembly has overwhelmingly supported annual resolutions calling for an end to the United States’ economic, commercial, and financial embargo on Cuba.
