The Impact of the conflict between the United States and Iran in 2026 on the energy security of the Republic of Poland

Abstract

The Persian Gulf region, as one of the key areas for the extraction and transportation of energy resources, is of fundamental importance to the stability of global oil and natural gas markets. The escalation of tensions in this region—encompassing military actions, economic sanctions, and incidents disrupting the transport of raw materials—leads to rising energy prices and increased uncertainty in international markets. As a consequence, European states, including the European Union, are compelled to undertake measures aimed at mitigating the risks arising from instability in regions strategic for energy supply. These measures primarily include the diversification of energy sources, the development of energy infrastructure, and the strengthening of international cooperation in the field of security. US–Iran tensions also have a geopolitical dimension, influencing the global balance of power and the functioning of the international security system, including structures such as NATO. These developments demonstrate that national energy security is not merely an economic issue but constitutes an integral component of broadly understood national and international security. In the context of the Republic of Poland, this necessitates the implementation of an active energy policy and the maintenance of stable relations within the international security system.