In a significant shift in U.S. military strategy, the Trump administration has formally requested the Pentagon to develop “credible military options” aimed at securing American access to the Panama Canal. This directive, detailed in a memo from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, outlines a prioritized focus on the canal’s oversight, aligning with President Donald Trump's repeated assertions of the need for the U.S. to “reclaim” this vital maritime route.
The memo, titled "Interim National Defense Strategic Guidance," signals a departure from previous military directives and emphasizes the administration's strategic goals. It calls for immediate actions to ensure “fair and unfettered” military and commercial access to the canal, which plays a crucial role in global trade and military logistics.
U.S. Southern Command is reportedly considering various plans, ranging from heightened collaboration with Panamanian forces to potentially deploying U.S. troops should cooperation not materialize. This move is perceived as an effort to counteract China's growing influence in the region, particularly concerning their access and operations within the canal.
Despite the rhetoric from the U.S. government, Panamanian officials, including President José Raul Mulino, have publicly refuted claims of a U.S. effort to reclaim control over the canal, insisting that there has been no discussion on this issue in official dialogues. Furthermore, both Panama and China assert that there is no external interference with the canal’s operations, which enjoy a neutral status guaranteed by Panama's Constitution.