Washington: The US military must explore options to ensure the United States maintains full access to the Panama Canal, two US officials informed Reuters on Thursday.
President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to "take back" the Panama Canal, a strategically vital waterway located at the narrowest point of the isthmus between North and South America. However, he has not provided specific details on how this would be achieved or whether military action might be necessary.
One US official, speaking anonymously, revealed that an interim national security guidance document issued by the new administration has directed the military to examine potential strategies to secure access to the canal. A second official noted that the US military has a range of options to safeguard access, including strengthening partnerships with Panama’s military.
The Pentagon last published a National Defense Strategy (NDS) in 2022, which outlines the military’s priorities. Interim documents, like the one in question, provide broad policy guidance, similar to Trump’s executive orders and public statements, ahead of a more formal and detailed policy document such as an NDS.
The Pentagon has not yet responded to requests for comment.
The interim document was first reported by CNN, while NBC News earlier on Thursday stated that the White House had instructed the Pentagon to develop options regarding the Panama Canal.
Trump has claimed that the US needs to reclaim the canal because China allegedly controls it and could use it to undermine American interests. During his inaugural speech in January, Trump reiterated accusations that Panama has failed to uphold the promises made during the final transfer of the canal in 1999.
Any attempt by a foreign power to seize the canal by force would likely violate international law. The US and Panama are bound by treaty to defend the canal’s neutrality and are authorized to take unilateral action if necessary.
The US originally acquired the rights to build and operate the canal in the early 20th century. In a 1979 treaty signed under Democratic President Jimmy Carter, the US agreed to transfer control of the canal to Panama by the end of 1999.
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