Iran has announced a ban on the exports of “all food and agricultural products”, a local news agency has reported.

Shipments will be blocked “until further notice”, a government statement read, according to the Tasnim news agency.

“The government has prioritised the supply of essential goods for the people,” the statement added.

Multiple international news outlets describe Tasnim as a “semi-official” news agency said to be associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard.

According to US Department of Agriculture data, Iran accounts for around 18% of global pistachio output, 6% of the world’s production of cherries and 2% of barley.

As the conflict spills into other countries in the Middle East, Kuwait has also announced a temporary ban on the export of food commodities.

According to the Kuwait News Agency, Osama Boodai, the country’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, said the move would “protect consumers and enhance market stability”.

Oil and gas prices have jumped in the wake of the attacks launched by the US and Israel on Iran on Saturday (28 February).

Brent crude futures stood at $80.94 a barrel at the time of writing, up more than 4%. Over the past five days, they are more than 14% higher.

Yesterday, major gas exporter QatarEnergy halted production, sending the price of the commodity soaring.

Elsewhere, President Trump said today the US will “cut off all trade with Spain” after the European country said it would not allow Washington to use its bases for the attacks on Iran.