Cuba warns UN it will defend itself as Trump hints at a deal

Cuba's foreign minister used the United Nations General Assembly on Saturday to accuse Washington of waging an intensified campaign of pressure against the island, and warned that Havana would defend itself against any military action.

Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla said the United States had imposed what he described as an energy blockade since January, pressuring other countries not to export fuel to Cuba. He called the measure the equivalent of a naval blockade and, under international law, an act of war.

He said Cuba has faced a "multidimensional campaign of aggression" from Washington for nearly seven decades, describing it as permanent, abusive and ruthless hostility that has grown more dangerous this year.

The seats assigned to the US delegation were empty while he spoke.

Rodríguez Parrilla also accused President Donald Trump's administration of threatening to use military force against Cuba, saying such action would violate international law and result in deaths and widespread destruction.

"We hope that never happens," he said, adding that Cuba would exercise its legitimate right to defend itself with determination and resolve.

He rejected portrayals of Cuba as a threat to the United States, calling such claims fanciful and malicious given the island's small size and modest economy compared with the world's foremost nuclear, military, technological and economic power.

The foreign minister said Cuba has always been and remains willing to engage in dialogue with Washington to resolve bilateral differences, based on seriousness, respect, sovereign equality and international law, without interference in internal affairs or preconditions.

He closed his address with the phrase "Homeland or Death, we will prevail," drawing applause from the Cuban delegation.

Earlier on Saturday, Trump predicted that Cuba would reach an agreement with the United States before Washington took any military action against the island.

"I would say that Cuba and us would make a deal," Trump told reporters outside the White House. "I don't think we'll need the military. Cuba is failing very badly. We want to help Cuba."

The US president also said he wanted to open Cuba to Americans, including Cuban Americans who wish to return to the island.