Iran halts agri-food exports as conflict in Middle East escalates

Iran has imposed a ban on the export of all food and agricultural products, according to the report from Tasnim News Agency, as the country faces escalating military conflict involving the U.S. and Israel. The measure, effective “until further notice,” is intended to prioritize domestic access to essential goods, the agency cited a government statement as saying.

Iran is a significant agricultural producer, accounting for about 18% of global pistachio output, 6% of cherries and 2% of barley, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The export suspension could tighten international supplies of key commodities, particularly pistachios, where Iran is a leading supplier. The decision follows rising geopolitical tensions that have begun to disrupt trade flows across the Middle East.

Kuwait has also introduced a temporary ban on food exports. The Kuwait News Agency reported that Commerce and Industry Minister Osama Boodai said the step was aimed at protecting consumers and stabilizing domestic markets. Energy markets have reacted sharply to the widening conflict. Brent crude futures climbed above USD 80 a barrel, up more than 4% on the day and over 14% in the past week. Meanwhile, QatarEnergy halted gas production, pushing prices higher. In Washington, Donald Trump said the U.S. would cut off trade with Spain after Madrid declined to allow U.S. bases to be used for operations targeting Iran.