Nassar Iqbal, owner of Hot Spot chip shop in Billesley, Birmingham, has issued a warning to customers about upcoming price increases, attributing the rise to growing conflict in the Middle East.
Earlier this year, Hot Spot gained attention by offering chips at a discounted price of 20p for one day. However, now Iqbal explains that ongoing geopolitical tensions are forcing the shop to reconsider its prices.
The source of the unrest, according to Iqbal, stems from recent military actions initiated by former President Donald Trump. Last month, Trump ordered airstrikes targeting multiple Iranian sites, resulting in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, a move that has deeply escalated hostilities in the region. In retaliation, Iran launched strikes of their own, targeting locations in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
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While Iqbal expressed some admiration for Trump’s traditional values, he was critical of the former president’s aggressive stance, describing him as a “warmonger.” At the same time, the chip shop owner also placed blame on UK Labour leader Keir Starmer. Starmer has been publicly criticized by Trump for denying access to UK military bases, and Iqbal suggested that Starmer’s involvement has also contributed to current tensions.
Speaking via Instagram, Iqbal commented: “I quite like Trump; he reminded me of how my dad was—an old solid bloke with old views. But this time, all he’s doing is creating more wars. Look at what’s happened in Iran—important leaders killed, and now the Iranian prime minister wants revenge. Things aren’t looking good.”
He continued, “Keir Starmer’s getting involved as well, so we’re all alongside in this situation. That means the cost of fish, potatoes, oil—it’s all going to go up. People will say, ‘Uncle Nas is putting prices up,’ but it’s not me. Blame Donald Trump and Keir Starmer for these wars.”
Iqbal’s candid remarks highlight the wider economic impact of international conflict, reminding consumers that geopolitical tensions often ripple down to local businesses and everyday costs.