Overview

• President Trump has formally demanded that Panama and Egypt waive all transit fees for US military and commercial ships through the Panama and Suez canals.
• The directive follows Panama's recent agreement to allow US troops near the canal and discussions on priority warship passage, though fee-free commercial transit remains unresolved.
• Trump has reiterated claims of historical US contributions to the construction of both canals, asserting that they would not exist without American efforts.
• US-led military operations continue to secure the Suez Canal, which faces disruptions from Huthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea, impacting global shipping routes.
• The Suez and Panama canals are critical chokepoints for international trade, with the US pushing to reinforce its influence over these strategic waterways.