European stocks were broadly flat to higher on Tuesday as investors began September by looking past another increase in oil prices amid escalating tensions between the US and Iran. Higher energy costs are adding to inflationary pressure and strengthening expectations that the ECB (European Central Bank) will raise interest rates further. Eurozone flash inflation figures due later in the session were expected to reinforce those expectations. Chemicals was among the strongest-performing sectors, with Air Liquide shares gaining around 3.8% after reports that activist investor Elliott Management had built a stake in the company. Technology stocks also advanced, led by ASML, up 1.5%, and Infineon Technologies, up 2.5%. Energy shares benefited from higher oil prices, with TotalEnergies rising 2.1% and Eni gaining 1.6%.