The EU sees no threat to energy supplies from the Middle East
Despite the new escalation between the U.S. and Iran, the European Commission does not anticipate any problems with energy supplies to Europe. Officials there acknowledge that the situation could affect prices, but they assure that there are sufficient gas reserves to comfortably prepare for the upcoming heating season.
Journalists asked whether Brussels was concerned about the new escalation in the Middle East following the breakdown of the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran. This is especially true given that, following a cold winter, EU countries emerged from the heating season with lower gas reserves in their storage facilities.
At the same time, the European Commission stated that it currently sees no threat to energy security. “At this time, we are not concerned about the security of supplies. From the outset, the main cause for concern has been the impact on prices. You’re right, current gas storage levels are slightly lower than pre-crisis averages, but they’re not a cause for immediate concern regarding our energy security,” said Anna-Kaisa Itkonen.
She noted that, according to European Union regulations, gas storage facilities must be at least 80% full by the start of the heating season. This level is considered sufficient to get through the winter smoothly. “Member states have the necessary capacity, and gas is available to reach 80%, which is considered sufficient under the rules for the start of winter,” the spokesperson added.
The European Commission also notes that the main risk at present is not related to a physical shortage of gas, but to potential price volatility in global energy markets due to the situation in the Middle East. Earlier, following the resumption of hostilities between the U.S. and Iran, concerns intensified in the market regarding the safety of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz—one of the most critical routes for global exports of oil and liquefied natural gas. This is precisely why investors are closely monitoring developments, as any new escalation could affect energy prices.
However, officials in Brussels emphasize that there is currently no reason to speak of a threat to Europe’s energy supply, and EU countries continue to build up the necessary gas reserves ahead of winter. This was stated by European Commission spokesperson Anna-Kaisa Itkonen during a daily briefing.
As of the evening of July 9, hostilities between the U.S. and Iran continue. On the morning of July 9, the U.S. military struck a strategic railway bridge in the north of the country, which is part of an important international transport route.
As of the evening of July 9, the situation surrounding the conflict between the U.S. and Iran remains extremely tense. According to military analyst Alex Alfirraz Shirs, the parties have reached their most dangerous point in recent times, and any new attack could derail even the slightest chance of de-escalation.
As of the evening of July 9, a drone attacked a camp of the Iranian Kurdish opposition in northeastern Iraq near the city of Erbil. According to preliminary reports, there were no casualties or injuries.
As of the evening of July 9, Iran continues to launch strikes against Gulf countries in response to recent U.S. attacks. There are reports of missiles and drones launched toward Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, though most of the aerial targets were intercepted.
As of the evening of July 9, oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz had nearly come to a standstill. This was due to new U.S. strikes against Iran, Tehran’s response, and a sharp increase in risks to shipping in the region.
On Thursday, July 9, Iran stated that it had fired ten ballistic missiles at a U.S. military base in Jordan. At the same time, Jordanian authorities reported that all missiles were intercepted and that there were no reports of damage or casualties.
Despite this new round of conflict in the Middle East, Iran maintains that it has not abandoned diplomacy and is attempting to restore relations with the Gulf states. Officials in Tehran claim that the U.S. and the West have mistakenly interpreted their willingness to negotiate as a sign of weakness.
