Report: Iran, inflation concern small businesses

(The Center Square) - U.S. small businesses reported reduced spending and hiring amid concerns over military strikes against Iran and looming inflation data, according to a new report. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce found business owners across the country are slightly more concerned about the health of their businesses as the U.S. military continues its operations in Iran. Small business owners reported a decline in planned hiring and investments. The Chamber of Commerce’s survey was conducted from Feb. 25 - March 11, 2026. The survey sampled 751 small business owners in the United States. In quarter one of 2026, 16% of businesses reported increasing their staff over the past year, down from 23% in Quarter 4 of 2025. Similarly, 37% of business owners planned to increase investments in the next year, a decrease from 44% in quarter four of 2025. The Chamber of Commerce found some business owners reported concerns with rising