Poland rules out joining US operation in Iran, warns Russia could benefit from energy crisis

Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz clarified Tuesday that Poland has no involvement in the ongoing US military operation against Iran, stating unequivocally that "no such request has been made" and his country "is not participating." Speaking to private broadcaster RMF FM during a visit to the United States, the minister addressed growing questions about potential NATO member involvement in the broadening Middle East conflict.

Arms Industry and Ukraine Concerns

Kosiniak-Kamysz warned that an outbreak of war in the Middle East could significantly strain global arms production and supply chains critical for supporting Ukraine. He urged Western defense industries to shift into "full alert mode," noting that US weapons are used not only by American forces but also by Gulf allies. "All of this will affect production capacity and the transfer of this production to Ukraine, as well as European purchases of American equipment for Ukraine," he said, pledging to carefully monitor any potential delays.

Russian Economic Advantage

The minister highlighted wider geopolitical implications of instability involving Iran, particularly the potential shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Kosiniak-Kamysz warned that Russia could benefit economically from such disruption, as higher global energy prices would boost revenues from its raw material exports. His analysis underscores Warsaw's concern that the Middle East escalation could inadvertently strengthen Moscow's war economy at a critical juncture.

Honoring a Hero

Kosiniak-Kamysz was in the United States to attend a Medal of Honor ceremony where President Donald Trump posthumously honored Sgt. Michael Ollis, an American soldier killed in Afghanistan in 2013 while shielding a wounded Polish officer. The Polish officer, Capt. Karol Cierpica, also attended the ceremony, highlighting the enduring bonds between the two allies even as questions about military cooperation in the current crisis emerge.