US–Iran escalation & UK energy impact

New US strikes on Iran (18 Mar) targeting missile sites and boats, with fragile ceasefire under strain. Iran claims retaliation. Directly impacts UK energy costs and shop price inflation (already at 1.2% in May). Oil supply disruption risk via Strait of Hormuz. Follow‑ups: oil price movement, UK government response, BRC reaction. UK also sanctioned crypto exchanges for supporting Russia, adding to geopolitical financial pressure.