New york: The New York Stock Exchange closed lower as uncertainty over tensions in the Middle East persisted. The Dow lost 0.18%, or 84.41 points, to close at 46,124.06. The Nasdaq composite fell 0.84%, or 184.87 points, to 21,761.89, while the S and P 500 decreased 0.37%, or 24.63 points, to 6,556.37. The Volatility Index (VIX), often referred to as the market's 'fear index,' rose by 3.06% to 26.95. According to Anadolu Agency, uncertainty regarding the conflicts in the Middle East dampened investors' risk appetite, leading to a negative trend in the stock markets. US President Donald Trump's statement on Monday that 'productive' talks had taken place with Iran and that both countries aim to reach a deal had backed the markets with expectations that tensions in the region might ease. However, Iranian officials stated that no direct negotiations had taken place with the US. Trump reiterated on Tuesday that they are in negotiations with Iran, saying Iran "gave us a present and the present arrived today. It w as a very big present worth a tremendous amount of money." Later in his remarks, Trump said the gift in question was something related to oil and natural gas. Meanwhile, reports in the US press indicated that plans to deploy approximately 3,000 troops to the Middle East by the Pentagon to support a war against Iran have reached the final stage, though no official order has been issued yet. Additionally, the reports claimed that Gulf countries are moving closer to a potential attack on Iran with each passing day and are gradually increasing their support for the US. The price of Brent crude oil, which had fallen below $100 on Monday, rose by approximately 4% to $103.80 as of 2000GMT. Most stock markets in Europe also saw increases on Tuesday, with the pan-European Stoxx Europe 600 index gaining 0.43% to close at 579.28 points. The UK's FTSE 100 increased 0.72% to 9,965.16, Germany's DAX 40 went down by 0.07% to 22,636.91, and France's CAC 40 earned 0.23% to 7,743.92. Italy's FTSE MIB 30 was up 0.42% to fini sh at 43,369.53, while Spain's IBEX 35 posted an increase of 0.13% to 16,910.20.