"I will not agree to Poland’s involvement in the war in the Middle East,” Tusk told reporters after an EU summit in Brussels.
Tusk said he had heard suggestions from political opponents and others that Poland could consider some form of participation in the conflict, but rejected the idea.
“We carry a serious burden and responsibility — the protection of Poland’s eastern border, which is also the eastern frontier of Europe and NATO,” he said at a news briefing.
“We should not seek new engagements, as this task is absolutely our priority," he added.
He said he expects Poland’s allies to understand this position and told reporters he had discussed the issue informally on the sidelines of Thursday's summit of EU leaders.
'My task is to ensure world remains focused on Ukraine'
Tusk also warned that the conflict in the Middle East has partly diverted attention in the United States and elsewhere from Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“My task is to ensure that the world remains focused on what is happening in Ukraine because it directly affects our security,” he said.
He urged those advocating for Polish involvement in the Middle East conflict to reconsider. “I will not agree to it anyway,” he declared.
Tusk has previously said Poland will not send troops to Iran, adding that the conflict does not directly affect the country’s security.
He emphasised that Poland’s military assets—including the army, air force and navy—are focused on strengthening NATO’s eastern flank and securing the Baltic region.
Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has also said Poland does not plan to join the conflict, pointing to ongoing security challenges closer to home, including Russia’s actions near Poland’s borders.
At the same time, Sikorski said on Tuesday that if NATO were asked to discuss protecting the Strait of Hormuz, Poland would consider the request out of respect for its US ally.
However, Poland’s president has ruled out sending troops for such an operation, he added.
The United States and Israel have been carrying out air strikes against Iran since February 28, with Tehran responding by attacking Israel and several Gulf states, targeting both US military bases and civilian sites.
Iran has also blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route, sending energy prices soaring.
US President Donald Trump this week renewed calls for other countries to join an operation aimed at reopening the strategic waterway.
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Source: TVP Info, IAR, PAP