Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla harshly criticized Marco Rubio on Wednesday, labeling him a liar and questioning his credibility as a diplomatic interlocutor. In an interview with CNN en Español from Havana, Rodríguez also warned that any military aggression from the United States against Cuba would result in "a bloodbath."
Rodríguez highlighted a "blatant contradiction" between the tone adopted by Washington's diplomats in bilateral talks and the actions of the U.S. Secretary of State and the Trump administration outside those negotiations.
These remarks followed a press conference where Rodríguez called Rubio "dishonest and deceitful" multiple times, escalating a verbal confrontation from Havana against the U.S. diplomatic leadership.
Despite acknowledging that diplomatic dialogues between the two nations show no progress, Rodríguez emphasized that the Cuban regime remains open to discussions and continues to collaborate with Washington on issues such as drug trafficking, terrorism, organized crime, and human trafficking.
Energy Crisis and U.S. Policies
The foreign minister blamed the severe energy crisis in Cuba on what he described as an "energy blockade" imposed by the United States, likening it to a "naval blockade."
"The U.S. government has obstructed Cuba's ability to receive fuel supplies for the past seven months," Rodríguez stated, condemning this approach as a "violation of international law," "collective punishment," and "crime against humanity."
On June 25, Cuba's electrical deficit exceeded 2,208 MW, leaving approximately 70% of the country without power amidst blackouts lasting up to 25 hours in some areas.
Rodríguez acknowledged the "painful" situation, stating that the Cuban people are enduring "truly harsh suffering, deprivations, and anxieties," although he declined to compare it to the pandemic crisis.
Military Threats and Sanctions
Responding to President Trump's threats—who declared that after dealing with Iran, Cuba would be next—and U.S. intelligence reports indicating Havana's acquisition of over 300 military drones, Rodríguez firmly stated, "Cuba is not and cannot be a threat to the national security of the United States. It's absurd."
He also cautioned that military intervention would have catastrophic consequences: "Any military attack on Cuba will be met with all our force. It would be a bloodbath. Thousands of Cubans and young Americans would die in a senseless war."
These statements coincide with new sanctions announced by Rubio on June 23 against five Cuban entities linked to the military conglomerate GAESA and against Annalie Lilliam Rueda Cardero, the wife of Alejandro Castro Espín, son of Raúl Castro.
The sanctions were implemented under Executive Order 14404, signed by Trump on May 1, 2026, adding to Executive Order 14380 from January 29, which declared Cuba an "unusual and extraordinary threat" and imposed secondary tariffs that reduced Cuban energy imports by 80% to 90%.
Cuba has scheduled a United Nations General Assembly session for July 7, 2026, to discuss, for the 32nd time, the resolution against the embargo, a move Rodríguez presented as a response to Washington's efforts to block the debate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuba-US Relations
What accusations did Bruno Rodríguez make against Marco Rubio?
Bruno Rodríguez accused Marco Rubio of being a liar and questioned his validity as a diplomatic interlocutor.
What is causing the energy crisis in Cuba according to Rodríguez?
Rodríguez attributes the energy crisis to an "energy blockade" by the United States, equating it to a naval blockade that has hindered fuel supplies for seven months.
What are the potential consequences of a U.S. military intervention in Cuba?
Rodríguez warned that a U.S. military intervention would result in a bloodbath, with thousands of Cubans and young Americans dying in a senseless conflict.