{
  "id": 9292459,
  "title": "FTSE 100 today: Stocks rise as U.S.-Iran diplomacy eases oil fears",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/ftse-100-today-stocks-rise-as-u-s-iran-diplomacy-eases-oil-fears",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-23T07:13:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Investing.com",
    "slug": "investing-com",
    "url": "https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/ftse-100-today-stocks-rise-as-usiran-diplomacy-eases-oil-fears-4912189"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "British stocks saw a rise on Wednesday, as expectations for a diplomatic breakthrough in the U.S.-Iran conflict led to a decrease in oil prices and bolstered risk appetite in European markets early in trading. The FTSE 100 climbed 0.36%, DAX increased 0.13%, and CAC 40 rose 0.36%. The British pound slipped 0.25% against the dollar to 1.3312. U.S. President Donald Trump reported that envoys engaged in a productive three-hour meeting with an Iranian delegation at the UN General Assembly in New York. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed the talks were conducted via mediators, describing the round as successful, and expecting additional meetings in the coming days. Iran's conditions were relayed through Qatari intermediaries, including a cease-fire in all conflicts, removal of the U.S. naval blockade, and release of seized assets, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei. Saudi Arabia restarted crude supply on a vital Red Sea pipeline, contributing to supply-side relief. However, the diplomatic progress faced a setback as an IRGC spokesman publicly dismissed negotiations and advised Iran to prepare for every possible outcome. Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz remained significantly reduced, with only three commodity vessels passing through on Tuesday compared to an average of around 15 over the past 10 days, according to Reuters. Jefferies strategist Mohit Kumar noted in a client note that the early October weeks could be a favorable time for a compromise between the U.S. and Iran, as both sides have a shared interest in reaching an agreement, but Iran might not have preferred a deal before the U.S. midterm elections, as it could have benefitted Trump politically. Nonetheless, Tehran might favor a deal just before the vote when Washington would be more inclined to make concessions. Kumar maintained a constructive stance on markets, suggesting that if geopolitical tensions eased and oil prices fell to $80-$85 a barrel, conditions would be present for a rally in risky assets between now and the end of the year. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, speaking at the UNGA, expressed Britain's commitment to supporting Israelis and Palestinians living in peace and security, acknowledging that Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank were unjustifiable. Brent crude futures declined 0.41% to $98.84 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate dropped 1.01% to $89.54. Gold futures for December delivery decreased 0.31% to $4,362.97 an ounce, and spot gold fell 0.75% to $4,324.98. JD Sports maintained its full-year profit guidance as first-half margins and adjusted profits exceeded analyst expectations despite weak sales and a promotional market.",
  "summary": null,
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Jakarta Post",
        "title": "Dollar at 2-month highs as markets weigh rate hikes, Iran diplomacy",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/dollar-at-2-month-highs-as-markets-weigh-rate-hikes-iran-diplomacy",
        "published": "2026-09-23T06:30:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}