The U.S. military is reviewing options to ensure American access to the Panama Canal, two officials told Reuters on Thursday, as President Donald Trump continues to push for greater U.S. control over the strategic waterway.
Trump has repeatedly stated that the U.S. must "take back" the Panama Canal, citing concerns over China's influence. However, he has not detailed how he intends to do so or whether military action might be involved.
A senior U.S. official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said an interim national security guidance document from the Trump administration instructs the military to explore ways to safeguard access to the canal. Another official suggested that the Pentagon is evaluating multiple options, including strengthening ties with Panama’s security forces.
The Pentagon did not immediately comment on the matter.
The Panama Canal, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is a critical global trade artery. Trump has argued that China exerts too much control over the canal and could use it to undermine U.S. interests. He has accused Panama of violating commitments made under the 1999 handover agreement, which saw the canal transferred from U.S. to Panamanian control.
Under the 1977 Panama Canal Treaty, the U.S. and Panama are obligated to defend the canal’s neutrality. The agreement allows Washington to take unilateral action if the canal’s security is threatened.
Any military intervention or direct U.S. control of the canal would likely face international legal challenges. While Trump has floated the idea of reclaiming authority over the canal, experts say such a move would violate international law and strain diplomatic relations with Panama and other nations.
CNN first reported that the White House had ordered the Pentagon to prepare options for securing canal access. NBC News also reported that discussions were ongoing about possible U.S. actions.
The U.S. originally built and operated the Panama Canal after acquiring the rights in the early 20th century. The canal’s control was transferred to Panama on December 31, 1999, under a treaty brokered by former President Jimmy Carter.
As the Trump administration considers its next steps, the global community will be watching closely for any potential shifts in U.S. policy toward the canal and its geopolitical significance.
Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz has secured a breakthrough deal with the Greens, paving the way for a massive state borrowing boost. The agreement, crucial for economic growth and defense spending, sent the euro surging as markets reacted to the historic shift in Germany’s fiscal policy.
A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Friday, sending tremors across the region. Local authorities are now assessing potential damage and preparing for possible aftershocks.
Today's "Blood Moon" total lunar eclipse captivated viewers worldwide, with stunning photos capturing the moon's striking red hue as it passed through Earth's shadow.
More than a million people in Myanmar are set to lose access to vital food aid from the World Food Programme next month due to a severe funding shortfall, exacerbating the country’s ongoing humanitarian crisis amid escalating conflict and displacement.
Russia has escalated tensions with Britain, accusing it of being a "warmonger" and the primary obstacle to peace efforts in Ukraine. The accusations come as the UK continues to support Ukraine with military aid, drawing sharp criticism from Moscow.
Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz has secured a breakthrough deal with the Greens, paving the way for a massive state borrowing boost. The agreement, crucial for economic growth and defense spending, sent the euro surging as markets reacted to the historic shift in Germany’s fiscal policy.
An engine fire on American Airlines Flight 1006 forced an emergency evacuation after the plane diverted to Denver on Thursday. All 172 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated, with 12 individuals receiving minor injuries.
Hamas announced on Friday that it agreed to release an American-Israeli dual national, believed to be the last American hostage held in Gaza. The release follows a proposal from mediators to resume negotiations for the second phase of a ceasefire deal.
A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Friday, sending tremors across the region. Local authorities are now assessing potential damage and preparing for possible aftershocks.
Uzbekistan has signed an agreement with French and Japanese companies to initiate uranium production in the Navoi region by the end of 2025.
XPeng Motors plans to mass-produce flying cars by 2026, becoming the first company globally to do so. CEO He Xiaopeng also highlighted advancements in autonomous driving and humanoid robotics as part of the company’s future tech initiatives.
World leaders welcomed the 30-day ceasefire proposal that Ukraine has agreed to, calling it a step toward ending the conflict with Russia.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is set to condemn Trump’s Gaza “Riviera” plan, backing Egypt’s $53 billion reconstruction proposal. A classified draft resolution, rejects the relocation of Gazans, calls for urgent international support, and mobilises opposition to the U.S. stance.
In Tuesday’s closely watched parliamentary election, Greenland’s pro-business opposition Demokraatit party took a commanding lead after over 90% of the ballots were counted.
BioNTech forecasts a revenue decline for 2025, expecting between 1.7 billion and 2.2 billion euros, down from 2.75 billion euros last year. This drop is due to Pfizer write-downs and stable vaccination rates. BioNTech also plans significant job cuts and new hires.
Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz has secured a breakthrough deal with the Greens, paving the way for a massive state borrowing boost. The agreement, crucial for economic growth and defense spending, sent the euro surging as markets reacted to the historic shift in Germany’s fiscal policy.
An engine fire on American Airlines Flight 1006 forced an emergency evacuation after the plane diverted to Denver on Thursday. All 172 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated, with 12 individuals receiving minor injuries.
Hamas announced on Friday that it agreed to release an American-Israeli dual national, believed to be the last American hostage held in Gaza. The release follows a proposal from mediators to resume negotiations for the second phase of a ceasefire deal.
A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Friday, sending tremors across the region. Local authorities are now assessing potential damage and preparing for possible aftershocks.
Mark Carney will be sworn in as Canada’s prime minister on Friday, marking a historic rise for the ex-central banker with no prior political experience.
Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz has secured a breakthrough deal with the Greens, paving the way for a massive state borrowing boost. The agreement, crucial for economic growth and defense spending, sent the euro surging as markets reacted to the historic shift in Germany’s fiscal policy.
An engine fire on American Airlines Flight 1006 forced an emergency evacuation after the plane diverted to Denver on Thursday. All 172 passengers and six crew members were safely evacuated, with 12 individuals receiving minor injuries.
Hamas announced on Friday that it agreed to release an American-Israeli dual national, believed to be the last American hostage held in Gaza. The release follows a proposal from mediators to resume negotiations for the second phase of a ceasefire deal.
A 5.6 magnitude earthquake struck Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Friday, sending tremors across the region. Local authorities are now assessing potential damage and preparing for possible aftershocks.
Uzbekistan has signed an agreement with French and Japanese companies to initiate uranium production in the Navoi region by the end of 2025.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment