The European Commission has called on EU member states to ensure their gas storage facilities are adequately filled in preparation for the winter season of 2026-2027. This directive comes in light of potential disruptions in energy supplies due to escalating military conflicts involving the United States and Israel against Iran.
According to reports from Bloomberg, the Commission anticipates a significant rise in gas prices during the summer of 2026 as a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict. Member states are advised to lower their gas storage filling targets to 80% and to fully utilize the flexibility provided by EU legislation. This guidance was communicated by EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen to the governments of member countries.
Member states have been given a deadline of December 1 to meet their obligations regarding gas storage levels. Although EU countries are not primary exporters of gas from the Middle East, recent Iranian attacks on liquefied natural gas production in Qatar have already impacted gas prices within the EU.
Military Operations Against Iran
On February 28, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting Tehran, prompting a response from U.S. President Donald Trump, who announced the initiation of a ‘major military operation’ against Iran aimed at neutralizing perceived threats from the Iranian regime. Trump accused Iran of funding and training militant groups in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Palestine.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for launching missiles and drones toward Israel, as well as attacking U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
In response to the military actions, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that it is justifiable to provide Iranians with an opportunity to rid themselves of a ‘terrorist regime’ and to guarantee safety for all nations affected by Iranian attacks.
On the same day, Trump declared that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was dead, a claim later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Following this, the IRGC announced the launch of what it termed the ‘most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic’ against Israel and U.S. military bases.
On March 1, Trump warned that any further plans by the Iranian regime would be met with a ‘very strong response.’ U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next phase of military operations would be even more devastating.
On March 6, Trump called for a complete overhaul of Iran’s leadership, suggesting he had several candidates in mind for a ‘good leader.’ Subsequently, on March 8, the Iranian Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic.
Trump declined to comment on Mojtaba Khamenei’s election, stating, ‘We’ll see what happens.’ Previously, he had remarked that the new Iranian leader would not last long without the approval of the White House.
The European Commission has urged EU member states to fill gas storage facilities ahead of the 2026-2027 winter, citing risks from the U.S.-Iran conflict. The directive includes a deadline and adjustments to gas storage targets, reflecting concerns over potential energy supply disruptions.