President Trump Calls for No-Cost Transits through Suez Canal

On Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump made a surprising demand for the Suez Canal and the Panama Canal to provide no-cost transits for all U.S. naval and merchant vessels. While Trump has previously made similar statements regarding the Panama Canal, this is the first time he has extended such demands to the Suez Canal.

Trump took to social media to assert that the Suez Canal, built by French and Egyptian efforts, “would not exist without the United States of America.” He stated that he had instructed Secretary of State Marco Rubio to address this issue promptly. The remarks sparked controversy among Egypt’s political circles, although the country’s leadership has remained silent on the matter.

Historical Background of the Suez Canal

The Suez Canal, constructed by French diplomat Ferdinand de Lesseps’ Compagnie Universelle du Canal Maritime de Suez during the U.S. Civil War era, initially relied on international shareholders for funding. Despite facing challenges during construction, the canal opened in 1869 and quickly became a commercial success. It later came under British control before being nationalized by Egypt in 1956. Under Egypt’s administration, the canal has undergone expansion and modernization.

Currently, U.S. traffic accounts for a significant portion of the volume on the Suez Canal, generating substantial fees for the Egyptian government. Waiving these fees, as proposed by Trump, would have a considerable financial impact on the Suez Canal Authority.

Egypt’s Response

Egyptian commentators have questioned Trump’s assertion that the canal’s existence is owed to the U.S., citing its diverse history of French, British, and Egyptian involvement. Egyptian parliament member Mahmoud Badr emphasized Egypt’s sovereignty over the canal, highlighting its significance as a national asset.

The Egyptian opposition, represented by the Civil Democratic Movement, condemned Trump’s remarks as lacking historical context and displaying arrogance. The group affirmed the Egyptian people’s commitment to defending the Suez Canal as a symbol of national sovereignty.

Security Concerns in the Red Sea

In recent years, the Suez Canal has experienced a decline in traffic due to security threats posed by Houthi militants in the Red Sea. The group’s attacks on vessels have led to a significant decrease in shipping activity through the canal. The U.S. has responded with airstrikes to counter the Houthi threat, aiming to safeguard maritime routes in the region.

While the security situation remains volatile, efforts to mitigate risks to shipping in the Red Sea are ongoing. Top shipping companies are exercising caution and monitoring developments closely before resuming full operations in the area.