WATCH: Mike Waltz tells Cuban delegation ‘this is not Havana’ during heated UN speech

Mike Waltz Confronts Cuban Delegation at UN: 'This is Not Havana'

Cuba's Foreign Minister Accuses U.S. of 'Act of War' During Mike Waltz UN Speech

WATCH: Mike Waltz tells Cuban delegation 'this is not Havana' during heated UN speech - WATCH: Mike Waltz tells Cuban delegation 'this is not Havana' during a tense UN speech, where he challenged Cuba's narrative of U.S. aggression. Cuba’s foreign minister recently accused the United States of initiating an "act of war" by restricting fuel shipments to the island, citing a severe power crisis that left millions of Cubans in darkness. The U.N. General Assembly session on Tuesday became a stage for this confrontation, with U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz delivering a pointed response. He argued that Cuba's communist regime was to blame for the nation's blackouts, economic struggles, and repression of its citizens, framing the discussion as a clash between U.S. support and Cuban self-sufficiency.

Energy Crisis Escalates Amid UN Tensions

Just days before the event, Cuba experienced its third nationwide power outage of the year, deepening an ongoing energy emergency. The eighth major grid failure since October 2025 had left nearly 10 million people without electricity, with only central regions and parts of Havana regaining power by Tuesday morning. The Cuban delegation used this crisis to accuse the U.S. of imposing a naval blockade, but Waltz countered by emphasizing that the U.S. had not encircled the island to cut off trade or aid. His remarks during the speech targeted the regime’s control over resources and its impact on everyday Cubans.

Waltz Refutes Cuban Naval Blockade Claims at UN

During the heated exchange, Cuban officials framed U.S. actions as a form of naval blockade, equating restricted fuel deliveries to an aggressive economic strategy. Waltz dismissed these allegations, stating, "There is no ring of Navy warships sitting around this island. It’s fake. It’s false. It’s a lie. Period." This direct challenge underscored his argument that the U.S. was not the primary cause of Cuba’s energy woes, but rather a partner in its development. The dialogue highlighted the growing friction between the two nations at the international stage.

"There is no ring of Navy warships, U.S. Navy warships sitting around this island blocking trade or humanitarian aid going into Cuba. It’s fake. It’s false. It’s a lie. Period."

Power Outages as Symbol of Regime Control in Mike Waltz UN Speech

Waltz emphasized the irony of the Cuban government’s claim of U.S. aggression by pointing out the stark contrast in electricity access. While families faced prolonged outages, government buildings and propaganda outlets retained power. "This is not Havana. This is the United States of America. This is the United Nations," he declared. "And we will speak, we will be heard, and we will not be silenced like your own people. So, pound away." His speech framed the energy crisis as a reflection of the regime’s prioritization of its own interests over the needs of the Cuban population.

Blaming the Cuban Regime for Economic Stagnation in UN Address

Waltz reiterated that the real embargo was one imposed by Cuba’s own government on its citizens, stating, "There’s a lot of talk today of an embargo. And indeed there is one. It’s the embargo the Cuban regime mercilessly imposes on its own people decade after decade after decade." He criticized the regime for maintaining power for elites while ordinary Cubans endured hardships like spoiled food and hospitals without electricity. His remarks linked the current crisis to long-standing economic policies, suggesting that the Cuban government’s internal mismanagement was the root cause.

"There’s a lot of talk today of an embargo. And indeed there is one. It’s the embargo the Cuban regime mercilessly imposes on its own people decade after decade after decade."

Humanitarian Aid and Economic Impact in Mike Waltz UN Remarks

Waltz cited the arrival of humanitarian assistance from China, Russia, Mexico, Canada, Spain, and the European Union as evidence that the U.S. was not the sole contributor to Cuba’s energy issues. He also noted the U.S. had provided over $100 million in aid this year and approximately $500 million in commodities annually. "The United States has consistently supported Cuba’s development," he argued, challenging the narrative that the nation was entirely dependent on American policies. This point aimed to shift the focus from U.S. actions to Cuba’s broader economic challenges.

GAESA's Role in Cuba's Economy Under Scrutiny

Waltz highlighted the role of Cuba’s military-run conglomerate, GAESA, in controlling roughly half of its economy. He referenced the entity’s $18 billion in assets, though estimates from Reuters placed its economic reach between 40% and 70%. Cuban officials disputed the U.S. figure, but Waltz used it to illustrate the regime’s grip on resources and its role in exacerbating the crisis. His emphasis on GAESA’s influence underscored the idea that Cuba’s energy issues were the result of internal economic structures rather than external sanctions.