European shares steady amid Iran sanctions uncertainty

European equities were broadly flat as markets awaited pivotal events, including Nvidia’s results, the details of U.S. sanctions on Iran, and remarks from Federal Reserve Chair Jay Warsh at Jackson Hole, while investors also weighed a potentially hawkish ECB path. Energy stocks softened as oil hovered around the low to mid-90s per barrel, even as gold and defensive assets showed demand in the face of geopolitical uncertainty. The chip and technology sector faced pressure in several reports, even as Nvidia’s earnings loomed to gauge demand for AI-related components. Iran’s sanction threats and Tehran’s warning of possible disruption to Gulf oil exports kept risk appetite subdued and heightened commodity volatility. In the U.K. and broader Europe, market watch also extended to domestic policy moves, such as a government review of business-rate valuations for pubs and hotels, with London shares trading near flat. Overall, the narrative was one of cautious trading as investors seek clarity on sanctions, central-bank policy, and the pace of global economic growth.