Trump Explores Military Options to Regain Control of Panama Canal

The U.S. president has directed the Pentagon to evaluate strategies, including increased troop presence, while Panama vows to defend its sovereignty.

President Donald Trump has instructed the Pentagon to draft options for increasing U.S. military involvement in Panama, including potential control of the Panama Canal.
The range of options under consideration spans from enhanced security cooperation with Panama to a less likely scenario of direct U.S. control over the canal.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that the canal's current management undermines U.S. interests, particularly citing concerns about Chinese influence in the region.
Panama's Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha reaffirmed the nation's commitment to protecting its sovereignty and maintaining control of the canal, which has been under Panamanian authority since 1999.
The Panama Canal, a critical global trade route, was initially constructed by the U.S. and transferred to Panama following a 1977 treaty signed by President Jimmy Carter.