17 January 2025

The International Maritime Organization has poured cold water on US president-elect Donald Trump’s plans to take over. Marco Rubio, the potential Secretary of State, had suggested that Panama had broken treaty agreements. However, the IMO Secretary General Arsenio Domínguez stated that the route will remain in Panamanian hands. Trump has repeatedly stated he wants to take control of the Canal if the toll price for US ships is not reduced and has not ruled out military action to achieve it.The leaders of Canada, Mexico and Panama have also rejected US intervention.

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