The Trump administration is reportedly considering new restrictions on Cuban officials traveling to the United Nations, as part of broader efforts to increase pressure on Cuba's government. According to U.S. officials and an internal document obtained by The Associated Press, the State Department is evaluating "strict controls" on Cuban officials planning to travel to New York next month for an annual U.N. vote on the long-standing U.S. economic embargo against Cuba. These potential restrictions have not yet been finalized, and U.S. officials spoke on condition of anonymity. Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez criticized the U.S. for intensifying its economic and financial blockade, comparing it to a naval blockade. He stated that the current state of U.S.-Cuba relations is defined by the tightening of the economic and financial blockade and the imposition of a total oil siege on Cuba. Rodríguez made these comments during an interview with The Associated Press on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. President Donald Trump has previously referred to Cuba as a "failed state" and expressed a desire to "seek a fundamental change in the situation in Cuba." His administration has attempted to push for political change by restricting fuel supplies to Cuba, which has led to widespread power outages affecting essential services such as cooking, water supply, and internet and telephone service. Rodríguez said that while no meetings with U.S. officials are currently planned, Cuba remains open to maintaining communication channels. He noted that past interactions with U.S. officials have been "respectful," but the public statements and policy decisions by U.S. officials have been "extremely aggressive." Cuba’s power grid has collapsed at least six times since the U.S. energy blockade began earlier this year. The restrictions prevent Cuba from importing fuel needed to operate its thermoelectric power plants or replacement parts for outdated infrastructure. Additional U.S. measures include imposing more economic penalties on Cuban industries and enforcing laws that prohibit Americans visiting the island from engaging with government-owned or affiliated businesses. Rodríguez stated that these actions hinder processes that could lead to discussions of common interests between the two nations. Cuba has recently introduced historic economic reforms, opening up the island to the private sector. Officials, including Rodríguez, have stated these reforms are not concessions to the U.S., but they align with the direction the Trump administration wants. Cuban officials, including Rodríguez, are planning to return to New York next month for the annual U.N. General Assembly vote on the U.S. economic embargo against Cuba. Cuban officials already face heavy restrictions in New York and Washington due to their designation as a state sponsor of terrorism, which limits their travel and commuting to a 25-mile radius of the U.N. headquarters in Manhattan. Any new U.S. travel restrictions could make it more difficult or impossible for Cuban officials to attend the vote, which has taken place for over three decades. Last year, Washington’s influence on the issue was somewhat reduced as countries like Argentina, Ukraine, and Hungary—many of which are closely aligned with the Trump administration—rejected the Cuban-backed effort, even as regional tensions have risen around American military actions. While General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, they reflect global opinion. Rodríguez stated last year that the U.S. had launched a pressure campaign to influence the vote. He noted that Havana had received messages from other countries, mainly in Europe, suggesting the State Department was encouraging them to vote against the resolution. In response, a State Department spokesperson said last year that "the Cuban regime does not deserve the backing of America’s democratic allies."