British stocks experienced mixed trading on the FTSE 100, which rose by 0.13% on Thursday amid volatile conditions influenced by escalating tensions in the Iran conflict and surging oil prices. The DAX index fell by 0.33%, and the CAC 40 declined by 1.11%. Investor sentiment remains fragile as reports indicate that the United States Central Command is preparing to brief former President Donald Trump on potential military actions against Iran, raising concerns about renewed conflict and disruptions to global energy supplies. Oil prices surged due to fears of continued blockades of Iranian ports and broader regional instability. Attention is now shifting towards policy decisions from the European Central Bank (ECB) and the Bank of England (BoE), both of which are expected to hold interest rates steady while signaling future policy directions amid rising energy-driven inflation risks. In corporate news, Glencore reported a 19% increase in copper output, while Unilever surpassed Q1 sales forecasts with a 3.8% underlying growth. Conversely, Whitbread announced a significant overhaul of its restaurant business, warning of potential job cuts affecting up to 3,800 positions across the UK and Ireland.