The FTSE 100 edged higher on Tuesday as investors weighed conflicting signals from the Middle East. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offered differing accounts of a recent phone call about the fighting in Lebanon, a development that prompted Iran to suspend talks with the US on extending the ceasefire. Trump said he had urged both Israel and Hezbollah to halt hostilities, while Netanyahu provided a more limited account of the conversation.
Mining stocks led the gains in London. Fresnillo climbed more than 3%, Endeavour Mining rose nearly 3%, and Antofagasta advanced almost 3%. Anglo American and Rio Tinto also added more than 2% each.
By contrast, British American Tobacco dropped more than 3% despite reiterating its full‑year guidance and pointing to robust growth in its Modern Oral and Vapour divisions. Oil majors were also weaker, with Shell down 1% and BP off 1.9% as crude prices fell back.
