Mexico Declines to Join Trump's Peace Council, Will Only Observe

President Claudia Sheinbaum says Mexico will not be part of the Washington-backed Peace Council overseeing the next phase of the peace plan.

Published on Feb. 19, 2026

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The president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum, announced on Tuesday that Mexico will not join the Peace Council promoted by Washington that will oversee the next phase of the peace plan. Instead, Mexico will only participate as an observer.

Why it matters

This decision by Mexico highlights the ongoing tensions and differences between the Mexican and U.S. governments on foreign policy issues, particularly regarding the role of international bodies in regional affairs.

The details

The Peace Council is part of a broader peace plan being pushed by the U.S. government. Mexico has decided it will not be a formal member of the council, but will instead observe its activities and decisions.

  • The announcement was made on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

The players

Claudia Sheinbaum

The president of Mexico, who announced the country's decision to only observe the Peace Council rather than formally join it.

Washington

The U.S. government, which is promoting the establishment of the Peace Council as part of a broader peace plan.

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What they’re saying

“México no se sumará a la Junta de Paz promovida por Washington que supervisará la próxima fase del plan de paz.”

— Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico (expressnews.com)

The takeaway

This decision by Mexico underscores the ongoing geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Mexico, as the two countries navigate their complex relationship and differing approaches to regional affairs and international bodies.