Iran has begun preparing for a possible prolonged crisis by building up reserves for the next two years, the country’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said, according to the Fars news agency.

According to him, the government is already working on creating the necessary reserves, though he did not specify what types of stockpiles were being referred to.

Aref stressed that the authorities’ main task remains maintaining calm in society. At the same time, he said, the state is developing action plans “even in case of the most unfavorable course of events.”

The statement came amid the ongoing conflict and persistent tensions in the region.