Iran's security chief has lashed out at European governments over the mounting economic fallout of the Iran war, accusing them of backing military action against Tehran before complaining about the resulting energy crisis.

Iran Taunts Europe Over Rising Energy Costs

Iranian security chief Mohsen Rezaee took to X to criticize European countries as soaring oil and natural gas prices threaten household budgets and businesses ahead of winter.

"Just yesterday, Europe took pride in the dirty work of the Zionist regime. Today, it's whining about billions the war with Iran is costing it," Rezaee wrote.

He questioned whether European governments had anticipated the economic consequences of supporting military action.

"When you cheered on war crimes, did you think the fallout wouldn't hit you, too? War and terror come at a price. Now it's your turn to pay," he wrote.

Europe Faces More Than $112 Billion In Additional Energy Costs

Rezaee's remarks followed comments by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said Europe had incurred more than €100 billion (around $112 billion) in additional energy costs over the past eight months because of the conflict.

He called for the war to end as quickly as possible.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also criticized Merz, recalling his earlier praise for Israel's military campaign against Iran.

In a post on X, Araghchi said the €100 billion figure was insignificant compared with the damage Iran's armed forces could inflict on countries that attack its people.

"Red lines are a thing of the past," said Araghchi.

EU Braces for Another Energy Crisis Ahead of Winter

EU energy ministers are discussing measures to reduce household energy bills and strengthen energy security as the conflict disrupts global oil and gas supplies, Reuters reported on Thursday.

EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen warned that nearly 50 million Europeans already cannot adequately heat their homes.

European wholesale gas prices briefly reached €100 per megawatt-hour on Wednesday, their highest level since December 2022. Prices are now around three times their pre-Iran war levels.

The EU entered the winter heating season with gas storage facilities 75% full, compared with 83% a year earlier, adding to concerns about the bloc's energy security.