Published On: Sat, Mar 14th, 2026
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UK households urged to stockpile on 9 items amid Iran war | UK | News

Households across the UK are being encouraged to ensure they have emergency supplies as tensions rise over a possible conflict involving Iran. Government preparedness guidance advises families to think about what they would need if they had to remain at home for several days during an emergency such as a power outage, water shortage or severe weather.

The advice has gained renewed attention as Western governments assess the implications of threats made by Donald Trump to unleash what he described as “Death, Fire and Fury” on Iran. Officials in the UK have been monitoring developments closely. A spokeswoman for 10 Downing Street confirmed that the Prime Minister spoke with the US president on Sunday to discuss the situation in the Middle East.

“The Prime Minister spoke with the President of the United States, Donald Trump, this afternoon,” the spokeswoman said.

“The leaders began by discussing the latest situation in the Middle East and the military cooperation between the UK and US through the use of RAF bases in support of the collective self defence of partners in the region.”

Concerns over a wider conflict have also shaken global energy markets. The price of oil surged above 100 dollars a barrel on Monday before easing back to around 90 dollars after Trump suggested the conflict could soon be resolved, saying the war was “very complete, pretty much”.

With the cost of living already a major issue for many households, rising energy prices could place additional pressure on family budgets if instability continues.

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Drivers are also advised to keep emergency items in their vehicles, especially during winter conditions.

Suggested items include a phone charger for the car, warm clothing and blankets, high visibility clothing, jump leads, food and drink, a first aid kit and a shovel.

A car radio can also be used to receive updates during a power outage, although in severe weather conditions authorities say it may be safer to remain indoors.

While the current international tensions have raised concerns about wider geopolitical risks, officials say the preparedness advice is designed for a range of emergencies including storms, flooding and power failures rather than any single event.

The guidance ultimately encourages households to think ahead about how they would cope if normal services were temporarily disrupted, ensuring essential supplies and information sources are available if needed.