European stock markets opened in negative territory on Friday, as uncertainty over U.S.-Iran peace talks weighed on investor sentiment.
The pan-European Stoxx 600 was down 0.6% shortly after 8:05 a.m. in London (3:05 a.m. ET), with London's FTSE 100 and Paris's CAC 40 down 0.3% and 0.4%, respectively. The German DAX was almost 0.1% higher, while in Italy the FTSE Mib was 0.6% lower.
Investor attention remains focused on developments in the Middle East. On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters, "don't rush me," when questioned on a long-term deal with Iran. He also said he won't put a "timetable" on when the war will end.
Overnight, it was reported that U.S. forces had boarded and searched another tanker thought to be carrying Iranian oil through the Indian Ocean.
Oil prices edged higher on Friday morning, with global benchmark Brent crude futures adding 0.4% to settle at $105.44 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures were marginally higher at $95.88.
Back in Europe, investors will be monitoring another flurry of corporate earnings, with Eni, Orange, Volvo and Renault among the firms set to update shareholders on their finances.
Economic data releases on Friday will include U.K. retail sales, French consumer confidence figures, and a German Ifo Business Climate update.
