European stock markets rally after report of ‘secret outreach’ by Iran to try to end war

<p>UK’s FTSE 100 up by more than 50 points, while pan-European Stoxx 600 share index rises 1.2%</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2026/mar/04/war-middle-east-uk-living-standards-growth-markets-energy-shock-live-news-updates">Business live – latest updates</a></p></li></ul><p>European stock markets have rallied on a report claiming Iran is engaging in a “secret outreach” to end the war in the Middle East, after several days of heavy losses on indices around the world.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/04/us/politics/trump-iran-intelligence-leaders.html">New York Times reported</a> that a day after the attacks began, operatives from Iran’s Ministry of Intelligence indirectly contacted the CIA with an offer to discuss terms for ending the conflict.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/mar/04/stock-market-fall-trump-hormuz-oil-prices">Continue reading...</a>