Trump not planning to invade Cuba, Brazil's Lula says after White House meeting

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Thursday that U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated he is not considering a military invasion of Cuba.

Speaking at a press conference following his meeting with Trump at the White House, Lula said he was willing to act as a mediator between the two nations. "

"If he needs help to discuss Cuba's situation, I am at his disposal," Lula said, adding that he heard through an interpreter that Trump stated he was not thinking of invading Cuba.

The Brazilian leader also stressed Cuba's desire for dialogue.

The comments come as the Trump administration has intensified its pressure on Cuba this year, halting shipments of oil from Venezuela - long Cuba's top supplier - and threatening to slap sanctions on any country supplying Cuba with oil.

-Brad Ulery, Lais Morais, Liamar Ramos/Reuters