Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange during morning trading on April 13, 2026 in New York City.
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LONDON — European stocks opened higher on Tuesday amid hopes that U.S.-Iran peace talks could resume despite a blockade on Iranian ports coming into effect.
Shortly after the opening bell, the pan-European Stoxx 600 index opened 0.6% higher, with most sectors trading in the green. The U.K.’s FTSE 100 index started the day 0.2% higher, while Germany’s DAX opened up 1.1%.and France’s CAC 40 added 0.37% in early dealmaking.
The U.S. military began its blockade of Iranian ports on Monday, in a development that threatens to further constrict global oil supply in the coming months.
But oil prices fell overnight amid signs that peace talks could continue despite the blockade.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said Monday that U.S.-Iran peace efforts now depend on Tehran, after returning from weekend talks that failed to produce a breakthrough.
News agency Reuters reported on Tuesday morning that talks could resume in Islamabad as soon as this week, according to sources.
President Donald Trump also said Monday that the U.S. had “been called by the other side,” adding, “they’d like to make a deal very badly.”
Separately, Trump was asked if the goal of the blockade was to force Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or come to the negotiating table. The president said, “Both of those things, certainly, and more.”
Oil prices fell overnight on hopes that talks could resume, while Asia-Pacific markets traded higher.
European investors will be keeping an eye on earnings from Kering, Givaudan, Sika and Publicis Groupe. Data releases include Spanish inflation.
