President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to prepare plans for carrying out his threat to "take back" the Panama Canal, including by military force if needed, two U.S. officials familiar with the situation told NBC News Thursday.

American access to the Panama Canal, one of several new directives outlined in what amounts to a major overhaul of US strategic priorities, according to a new memo that was sent to senior leaders and reviewed by CNN.

US officials said military action in Panama would only be considered if the country does not allow Donald Trump to "reclaim" the canal.

The U.S. acquired the rights to build and operate the canal in the early 20th century. In a treaty signed in 1979, during the administration of Democratic President Jimmy Carter, the U.S. agreed to turn over control of the canal to Panama at the close of 1999.

A new report claims that President Donald Trump has given the U.S. military orders to come up with options to reclaim the Panama Canal.

President Donald Trump reportedly instructed the U.S. military to draw up plans to increase U.S. troop presence in the Panama