javascript:void(0);/*1793243837825*/NEW YORK — A dramatic diplomatic confrontation at the United Nations has escalated into the expulsion of a Cuban diplomat, as a crucial General Assembly vote reveals a sharp decline in international support for Havana.**
“THIS IS AMERICA. BACK UP!”
On October 27, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz clashed with Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla during a heated General Assembly debate over Washington's decades-long economic embargo against Cuba.
The confrontation erupted as Waltz accused Cuba's leadership of corruption, political repression and enjoying lavish privileges while ordinary Cubans struggled with economic hardship.
Cuban delegates responded by shouting, banging on their desks and demanding a point of order.
Rodríguez approached the front of the Assembly and accused Waltz of lying.
Waltz fired back:
“You understand who you're dealing with? This is America. Back up.”
The extraordinary exchange disrupted the proceedings and drew international attention.
U.S. EXPELS CUBAN DIPLOMAT
The confrontation took a more serious turn when Cuban diplomat Richard Tur de la Concepción, First Secretary of Cuba's UN Mission, was accused of striking at the phone of U.S. Mission official J.P. Freire during a confrontation over filming.
Washington accused the Cuban official of attempting to assault an American diplomat.
Havana rejected the allegations, accusing U.S. personnel of harassment and invading its diplomat's personal space.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio authorized the expulsion, and the State Department confirmed on October 28 that the Cuban diplomat had left the United States.
Ambassador Waltz issued a further warning:
“If you lay a hand on a U.S. diplomat in this organization, there will be consequences.”
UN VOTE: CUBA WINS THE RESOLUTION — BUT LOSES GROUND
On October 28, the UN General Assembly adopted its annual resolution calling for an end to the U.S. embargo against Cuba.
The final vote: 130 in favor, 17 against, and 25 abstentions.
Although the resolution passed, support for Havana fell sharply from 165 votes in 2025 — a loss of 35 votes in just one year.
Germany, Italy and several other countries shifted to abstentions following Washington's diplomatic campaign.
The result marked a significant change in the international voting landscape.
TIMES SQUARE GLOBAL LIVE | NEWS ANALYSIS
Cuba won the vote. Washington gained diplomatic ground.
The two-day confrontation exposed more than a bitter dispute between two longtime adversaries.
While Havana secured another symbolic victory against the U.S. embargo, Washington demonstrated its growing ability to influence voting patterns at the United Nations.
The expulsion of a Cuban diplomat also sent a direct message: the Trump administration is prepared to escalate diplomatic consequences beyond verbal confrontation.
The General Assembly resolution is nonbinding, meaning the U.S. embargo remains in place despite the majority vote.
The central development is unmistakable: Cuba still commands a UN majority, but that majority is shrinking.
For Washington, the diplomatic shift may prove more consequential than the confrontation itself.
One dramatic clash. One diplomat expelled. Thirty-five votes lost.
The battle over Cuba's international standing has entered a new phase.
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Times Square Global Live
International News | Special Report
United Nations, New York
October 28, 2026
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