Europe's dual-track defense posture: building a "European NATO" and preparing a post-conflict escort plan for the Strait of Hormuz

Europe is accelerating the development of defense contingency plans that do not rely on the United States, while simultaneously advancing two items—autonomizing NATO command structures and post-war security arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz—highlighting deep rifts in transatlantic relations.

April 14 report shows:

1. Strait of Hormuz front

Europe plans to form a multinational coalition to dispatch minehunters and military vessels after the war to clear shipping lanes, explicitly excluding the United States, Israel, and Iran from participation, framing it as a purely defensive international operation to be implemented only after the conflict ends.

2. NATO autonomy front

European officials are accelerating a proposal called “European NATO”, aiming to ensure deterrence against Russia, operational continuity, and the credibility of nuclear deterrence if the United States reduces or withdraws its forces stationed in Europe.

Both plans point to Europe accelerating the development of defense capabilities independent of the United States.