Trump Tells Lula US Has No Plans to Invade Cuba

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met with President Trump at the White House on Thursday. The two leaders held a private three-hour meeting in the Oval Office. Lula told reporters afterward that Trump said the United States has “no intention” of invading Cuba.

Lula said Cuba wants to talk and find a solution. He added that the island has been under a U.S. blockade since the victory of the 1959 revolution. The Brazilian leader spoke at a press conference held at the Brazilian Embassy immediately after the meeting.

The White House had no immediate comment on Lula’s statements. The meeting came one day after Trump hosted UFC fighters in the Oval Office.

According to the Washington Times report of Lula’s remarks, the Brazilian president directly quoted Trump as saying the U.S. has “no intention” of invading Cuba. Lula also stated that Trump told him any earlier comments about “taking over” Cuba were not serious.

No U.S. aircraft carrier is currently positioned just outside Cuban waters, according to available reporting on the meeting. Trump has not publicly described Cuba as the “next” military operation following any Iran-related conflict in statements tied to the Lula meeting.

The two leaders hailed the meeting as positive, according to an AFP report. BBC reporting described the session as an effort to avoid tension while signaling lingering strain between the two governments.

U.S. sanctions on the Cuban government remain in place. Under those measures, property and financial interests connected to sanctioned individuals can be blocked. U.S. persons are largely prohibited from conducting transactions with them. The sanctions also restrict U.S. entry for certain individuals tied to the Cuban government unless an exception is granted in the national interest.