HAVANA — Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez announced Tuesday that talks between Cuba and the U.S. are at a standstill. Rodríguez stated that new U.S. sanctions and Cuba's assertion of economic sovereignty contributed to the cessation of discussions.

The U.S. imposed new sanctions in early June 2026 on Cuban President Miguel Díaz Canel, other officials, and companies. Rodríguez noted that free-market reforms recently approved by Cuba were not discussed in earlier talks with the U.S. The Cuban Communist Party and the National Assembly of People's Power approved 176 economic measures, which include more opportunities for private businesses, free hiring of personnel, and authorization for private banks and investment by Cubans residing abroad.

Rodríguez characterized the U.S. government's conduct during earlier talks as generally respectful, but stated it was accompanied by aggressive statements, threats of military aggression, and additional coercive measures. He stated that the Cuban reforms were met with a new package of unilateral coercive measures against Cuba. "The recently announced measures are a matter of total and absolute sovereignty," Rodríguez said. "We have neither listened to nor are we interested in the U.S. government's opinion on them."

Rodríguez denied that Cuba poses a threat to the U.S., which he referred to as a major military and nuclear power. "The blockade and the policy of aggression and hostility of the United States government against Cuba are a threat to the existence and well-being of the Cuban people, and to the exercise of their human rights," he said.

Rodríguez also announced a July 7 debate at the United Nations General Assembly regarding the energy embargo that U.S. President Donald Trump imposed on Cuba in late January 2026. Cuba is experiencing prolonged blackouts, fuel rationing, internet outages, and suspensions of public transportation and flights. Basic services such as garbage collection and water delivery have been suspended, and workdays have been reduced.