Iran accuses Germany of taking a unilateral position in favor of Israel

Tehran has accused German Foreign Minister Johann Vaddeful of taking a unilateral position in favor of Israel in the war with Iran, DPA reported.

Yesterday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei wrote in "Ex" that Vaddeful is siding with the "aggressor" and ignoring the fact that Israel has attacked Iran and killed Iranian civilians. Anyone who ignores the "injustice and atrocities" is on the "wrong side of history," Bagaei added.

During his visit to Israel on Monday, Vaddeful wrote in "Ex" that the Israeli people live under constant threat and that Germany stands in solidarity with them in these difficult times.

Vaddeful also said that during talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, he had advocated measures aimed at preventing further escalation.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer promised that the government "will not tolerate" heating oil suppliers to take advantage of the Middle East crisis, PA media/DPA reported.

Starmer will stress during his visit to Belfast today that heating oil prices must be "fair, transparent and reasonable".

He will hold meetings with political leaders, including First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengley, amid growing concerns about the impact of the war in the Middle East on energy prices.

Around two-thirds of homes in Northern Ireland use heating oil.

Global oil prices have risen sharply in response to the war in the Middle East, with Iran launching strikes in response to US and Israeli attacks, and the cost of heating oil for households has risen.

The market in Northern Ireland, unlike gas and electricity, it is not regulated.

The government said Starmer would use his visit to Northern Ireland to "underscore his relentless focus on reducing the cost of living for working people".

A statement said: "Recognizing that the majority of households in Northern Ireland rely on heating oil to heat their homes, the Prime Minister will send a strong message to companies that prices must be fair, transparent and reasonable, and not inflated at the expense of working people."

"If companies raise prices without good reason, the Government will take action, including through regulation."

The Prime Minister will say: "Global instability is having a real impact on the lives of working people in the UK and I know that families in Northern Ireland are concerned about what could mean war in the Middle East for their finances – especially given that so many households rely on fuel to heat their homes."

"Let me be clear – we will not tolerate speculation or unfair practices."

"This government supports working people, whatever the obstacles."

"In Belfast I spend my time not only meeting the politicians who make decisions, but also the people whose lives are affected by conflicts abroad and the approach we take at home."

The government has asked the Competition and Markets Commission to look into the prices of heating oil.

During the visit, the Prime Minister will also meet members of the local community to discuss the cost of living.