European stocks rise as hopes for Iran-US talks push oil prices lower

Most major European stock markets rose on Monday, with Milan's main index gaining 0.9% and the Eurozone's Euro Stoxx 50 up 0.73%.

The gains came as hopes grew for talks between Iran and the United States that could end their months-long war.

Iran's state news agency said Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had approved negotiations, while a separate report described diplomatic efforts by US President Donald Trump.

The prospect of talks helped push oil prices down by easing fears of renewed US military strikes.

Lower oil prices supported airline and tourism shares, while oil companies were among the day's biggest decliners.

Zurich's market slipped slightly, and there was no further timetable for negotiations in the reports.