Iran war raises challenges for US small businesses

NEW YORK — The Iran war is making life more difficult for small business owners across the country who are grappling with shipping complications, higher costs and consumers tightening their grip on their wallets. A shoe designer is struggling to import its shoes from Vietnam; a pistachio grower has millions of dollars worth of pistachio exports sitting in the water; a home landscaper in Kansas City is stockpiling fertilizer as prices skyrocket; and a Chicago electronics store owner is facing pain at the pump. Small business owners say the severe supply chain disruptions during the pandemic were worse — but…