Cuba's foreign minister says no negotiations despite "genocidal" blockade

Cuba’s foreign minister Bruno Rodriguez said there are no negotiations—or plans for future talks—with the United States, despite ongoing contact. Speaking in Havana on Sept. 7, Rodriguez blamed what he called a “genocidal” U.S. blockade for more than $8 billion in economic damages over the past year, saying costs rose 7% in 2025 to $8.1 billion. He added that Cuba expects the economic blow to worsen in early 2026 after new U.S. oil restrictions led to output collapse and nationwide blackouts lasting days. The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond. The UN has criticized the measures as violating international law.