Cuban UN Ambassador Rejects Surrender Talk Amid US Sanctions and Economic Crisis

Cuban Ambassador to the United Nations Ernesto Soberón Guzmán pushed back against claims that his country's communist government might yield to intensifying US pressure. The Trump administration has increased sanctions as Cuba confronts a deepening economic crisis.

"If someone thinks that words like 'give up, surrender, or collapse' are in the Cuban dictionary, in the people's dictionary, that person, those peoples, are sorely mistaken," Guzmán said on Fox News' America's Newsroom. "In the Cuban dictionary, you will find words like resilience, resistance, defense of sovereignty and defense of our independence."

His comments responded to recent statements from President Donald Trump. Trump indicated the US could swiftly take over Cuba after the Iran conflict ends.

"On the way back from Iran, we'll have one of our big — maybe the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, the biggest in the world — we'll have that come in, stop about 100 yards offshore, and they'll say, 'Thank you very much. We give up,'" Trump said.

Guzmán spoke as the Trump administration imposed fresh sanctions on nations and firms doing business with Cuba, especially those providing oil. The measures add to strains on Havana, where prices have soared, fuel is scarce and power outages are common.

Cuba faces one of its severest economic crises in decades. Gasoline prices have skyrocketed, and essential goods are in short supply. A United Nations official recently cautioned that the country is running out of time, with fuel shortages endangering vital services.

Even amid rising pressures and US tensions, Guzmán said Havana is willing to negotiate with Washington. He stressed that any ties must rest on reciprocity.

"We are ready to talk with the US government and to have a different kind of relations… beneficial for both parts," he said.