According to the Report, this was reported by the NBC News channel, citing sources.

According to him, the Southern Command of the US Armed Forces is working on options for action. It is noted that among them is the expansion of military cooperation with Panama, as well as a less likely scenario of forcible seizure of the channel between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

As the interlocutors of the TV channel emphasized, the likelihood of the use of military force depends on the willingness of the Panamanian side to deepen bilateral partnership between the military departments.

The sources indicated that the Trump administration's goal is to reduce China's alleged influence on the Panama Canal administration. According to one of the interlocutors, the head of the US Southern Command, Admiral Alvin Halsey, has already presented drafts of various options for action to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth this week.

The Pentagon chief's visit to Panama is expected to take place in April.

Other options include simply ensuring the safe passage of American ships through the strait, as well as the full restoration of U.S. ownership rights to it. In addition, the establishment of control by American troops over the existing ports of Panama, as well as the construction of new ports on the territory of this country by the Corps of Engineers of the US Army, is being considered.