Iran warns Europe as Germany says war has cost €100 billion in higher energy prices
By The South Asia Times
BERLIN - Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said the conflict involving Iran has cost European businesses and consumers more than €100 billion in additional energy expenses over the past eight months, urging an end to the war as soon as possible.
"We have an economic interest in bringing this conflict to an end as quickly as possible," Merz said, attributing the additional costs to energy price increases caused by the conflict.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded on social media, accusing Merz of supporting the US-Israeli attacks on Iran when they began last year.
"When Israel-US bombings of Iran began last year, Mr. Merz hailed them. 'Doing Europe's dirty work,'" Araghchi wrote on X.
He dismissed the European economic losses as insignificant compared with what he described as the potential military response by Iran.
"100bn Euro is nothing compared to the Earth-shattering blow Iran's Powerful Armed Forces will deal against those who dare harm our people," Araghchi said, adding that "red lines are a thing of the past."
The exchange highlights growing tensions between Iran and European governments over the war, its economic consequences and Europe's position on the US-Israeli military campaign.
The conflict has driven up energy prices, placing additional pressure on European households and businesses already facing economic uncertainty. Merz's remarks underscore the growing financial stakes for Europe as it seeks to limit the economic fallout and encourage an end to the fighting.
Araghchi's response, meanwhile, signals Tehran's continued defiance and its warning that further attacks on Iran could provoke a severe military response.
