Nov 12 (Reuters) – The UK economy expanded at its fastest rate in two and a half years, as businesses and consumers proved resilient amid the energy shock triggered by the Iran war. Data released Thursday by the Office for National Statistics showed GDP grew 0.7% in the third quarter, up from 0.5% in the second quarter and in line with the median forecast. In September alone, GDP rose 0.2%, beating expectations of zero growth. Since the Iran war broke out, the UK economy has defied earlier forecasts of a slowdown, partly thanks to spending linked to artificial intelligence applications. Economists have revised up their growth forecasts for this year, and UK Chancellor of the Exchequer Healey said Wednesday that the goal is for the economy to once again exceed expectations in 2027. While the data is good news for the government, it also adds pressure on the Bank of England to raise interest rates again. Last week the Bank of England raised rates for the first time in more than three years, and investors now lean toward expecting another hike in December.