The administration of President Donald Trump has reportedly directed the Pentagon to develop military options to ensure US access to the Panama Canal, a move that has sparked concerns about escalating geopolitical tensions in the region. The directive, revealed in a National Defense Strategic Guidance memo obtained by CNN, underscores Trump’s growing concerns over what he describes as “ridiculous fees” and China’s expanding influence over the strategic waterway. His repeated statements about “taking back” control of the canal have alarmed Panamanian officials and raised questions about the future of international agreements that have governed the canal for decades.

The Panama Canal is one of the most critical maritime passageways in the world, facilitating global trade between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Since its transfer from the United States to Panama in 1999 under the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, the canal has remained neutral and open to all nations, with the Panama Canal Authority overseeing its operations. However, Trump’s concerns center around what he perceives as Beijing’s growing foothold in Panama, particularly through infrastructure investments and trade agreements signed under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

In recent months, Trump has refused to rule out military force as a means of ensuring US access to the canal, stating that “all options are on the table” to protect American economic and national security interests. The latest directive to the Pentagon appears to formalize those threats, with the White House ordering an immediate assessment of credible military strategies to secure unrestricted US access. According to unnamed sources cited by major news outlets, the Department of Defense is examining a range........

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