Caroline Hepker

I'm Caroline Hepke.

And I'm Caroline Hepker.

Now let's get to the Middle East.

The US and Iran have made encouraging progress in talks on a peace deal, according to a joint statement from mediators Qatar and Pakistan.

Technical level discussions are set to continue this week, even as President Trump again threatens strikes against Iran if Hezbollah keeps attacking Israel.

US Vice President J.D.

Vance says discussions are in their early stages.

J.D.

Vance was speaking in Switzerland where the talks are taking place and they included Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.

Bloomberg understands that a positive outcome in the negotiations ultimately hinges on Israel's support and a resolution to the fighting in Lebanon.

Now, France is putting strict measures in place as the country faces a red alert for heat.

It comes as many places across Europe brace for record-breaking temperatures.

That includes London, Stephen.

We're expecting 38 to 39 degrees Celsius.

Really pretty unheard of.

Smashing through June records for heat here in England.

Bloomberg's Hiba Adebayo has more on that story.

Okay, so those are our top stories for you this morning.

Let's look at the markets at the moment.

So, European stocks are up just about a tenth of 1%.