European stocks are expected to open in negative territory on Wednesday, following the extension of a two-week ceasefire with Iran. The UK's FTSE index, Germany's DAX and France's CAC 40 are all predicted to open 0.3% lower. This follows reports that an expected visit by US Vice President JD Vance to Pakistan for peace talks with Iranian officials has been postponed. Despite this, President Donald Trump has refused to lift the Strait of Hormuz blockade, stating that lifting the blockade would mean "there can never be a Deal with Iran, unless we blow up the rest of their country".