Cuba's foreign minister, Bruno Rodriguez, has expressed deep frustration over the lack of progress in negotiations with the United States, which have been ongoing this year. The talks, aimed at easing American sanctions against Cuba, have failed to produce tangible results, according to Rodriguez, who spoke during a press conference in Havana. These sanctions, he said, have had a devastating impact on the Cuban economy, exacerbating shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and electricity. This has made life increasingly difficult for the island nation’s approximately nine million residents.
Rodriguez described the behavior of U.S. diplomatic representatives as generally correct but noted that they were accompanied by constant threats towards Cuba, the application of coercive measures, and disrespectful statements regarding the country’s independence. Despite these challenges, he emphasized that Cuba remains open to dialogue and peaceful resolution of differences based on mutual respect and non-interference in internal matters.
The U.S. Department of State did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the minister’s remarks. The United States has long labeled the Cuban government a national security threat and claims that sanctions are necessary to bring about a change in leadership, a longstanding goal of U.S. policy toward Cuba. Cuba, located just 145 kilometers off the Florida Keys, has consistently denied being a threat to the United States.
In addition to economic concerns, Rodriguez highlighted that the U.S. State Department was pressuring and intimidating members of the United Nations to delay an upcoming discussion on the American blockade of the island. The debate, scheduled for July 7, usually precedes a symbolic, non-binding vote later in the year where member states call on the U.S. to lift sanctions against Cuba. The United Nations has voted 31 times, including in November 2025, to demand that the United States end its decades-long trade embargo. Historically, these votes have been nearly unanimous, with the U.S. and Israel as the only countries opposing them.
This year’s vote holds special significance for Cuba following the Trump administration’s January imposition of a fuel blockade and new sanctions that led to a decline in foreign investments and almost complete collapse of tourism. Cuban representatives approved extensive economic reforms this month, which would represent the most significant change to the socialist model since the revolution led by former leader Fidel Castro in 1959. These reforms mark a major shift toward a market economy. However, Rodriguez stated that these reforms are unrelated to U.S. threats or sanctions. He emphasized that the reforms concern sovereignty and added that Cuba has not listened to nor is interested in the opinions of the U.S.
Meanwhile, in Iran, preparations are underway for multi-day mourning processions in honor of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several members of his family, who were killed in early February amid the initial phase of the conflict between Iran, the U.S., and Israel. In Tehran, portraits of Khamenei’s late wife, Mesbah-ol-Hode Bagheri, his eldest daughter, Seyyedeh Boshre Hosseini Khamenei, his daughter-in-law, Zahra Haddad Adel, and his 14-month-old granddaughter, Zahra Mohammadi Golpaygani, have been displayed in the Grand Imam Khomeini Mosque. All the portraits are covered with the Iranian flag, and a photograph of the young girl is also displayed near the portraits, according to CNN.
Diplomatic activities have temporarily paused as Tehran prepares for the funeral. After two days of indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran, Iranian officials left Doha. Qatar, a key mediator, announced that positive progress had been made and that discussions would continue after the funeral. It is unclear exactly what was discussed. Iranian officials claim the topic was unfrozen Iranian funds, while Axios reported that U.S. diplomats tried to convince Iran not to impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran remain high. Iran has issued a new warning to vessels to follow routes designated by Tehran in the Strait of Hormuz and warned the U.S. and Israel not to conduct attacks during the funeral. Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command announced that another expeditionary marine unit, typically numbering more than 2,000 marines, is now operating in the Middle East. It joins the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli and its accompanying fleet, which have been in the region since the end of March.
A central question ahead of the funeral is whether Mojtaba Khamenei, the new supreme leader and son of the deceased ayatollah, will appear to lead prayers for his father. It is believed that Mojtaba was seriously injured in the same attack that killed his mother and wife. Since the start of the war, he has remained hidden from public view and communicates exclusively through written statements to his supporters. His appearance would be his first in public and could help solidify his legitimacy within the country. Conversely, his absence might raise doubts about his health and open questions about who truly leads the country. The leader did not attend a private ceremony for his late wife on Wednesday.
The Islamic Republic would likely justify his absence as a necessary security measure, but this could deepen skepticism about his health and ability to lead the country. When asked about Khamenei’s attendance, Ali Akbar Pourjamshidian, head of the organization arranging the funeral, gave an ambiguous response: “That question is not within our jurisdiction, and the decision is solely up to the supreme leader.”
Foreign dignitaries will attend the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, including representatives from China, India, and Pakistan. Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country has positioned itself as a key mediator between Iran and the U.S., will travel to Iran to “express condolences,” confirmed a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. China will be represented by He Wei, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, while India will send Deputy Foreign Minister Pabitra Margherita and Governor of Bihar, Syed Ata Hasnain. Two senior Taliban officials, including Deputy Afghan Prime Minister and Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, will also attend the funeral.
Spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Esmail Baghaei, stated that Iran expects guests from hundreds of countries. However, aside from Sharif and Georgian President Mikheil Kavelashvili, it appears that few foreign leaders will attend. Most countries, such as China, Russia, and others, have not confirmed their participation.
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