Australian energy stocks rise as oil climbs on Trump-Iran sanctions stance
** Australian energy stocks .AXEJ rise as much as 1.8%, set to log their best session since September 16, if gains hold
** Oil prices rose after US President Donald Trump denied he would be willing to ease sanctions on Iran while Qatar pushed for peace talks O/R
** Shares of Woodside Energy WDS.AX and Santos STO.AX gain as much as 1.6 % and 1.9%, respectively
** Sub-index up 27.7%, YTD, outperforming benchmark AXJO, which has risen 1%