The FTSE 100 struggled on Thursday on a mixed day for stocks in London , and despite fresh falls in the oil price, as investors await fresh developments in the Middle East .

“The wild streak of enthusiasm which hit markets amid hopes for a major de-escalation in the Iran conflict is tempering,” said Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club.

“There’s a realisation that there are more hurdles to climb for a longer-term resolution to be agreed, even though Iran is reported to be studying a US peace proposal aimed at formally ending the conflict.”

The FTSE 100 closed down 161.71 points, 1.6%, at 10,276.95.…