European stocks opened lower Monday as Middle East tensions escalated following failed Iran-U.S. negotiations. The Stoxx 600 declined 0.7% with travel and leisure stocks hit hardest, down 2.1% as airlines including Wizz Air, EasyJet, and Lufthansa fell between 3.8% and 6.9% amid jet fuel supply concerns. President Trump announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices surging. Brent crude jumped 6.8% to $101.68 per barrel while West Texas Intermediate gained 7.2% to $103.59. Energy stocks benefited, with Norwegian firm Vår Energi rising 3.9%. Meanwhile, Hungary's election victory for pro-EU candidate Peter Magyar over eurosceptic Viktor Orban strengthened the forint 2.51% against the dollar, signaling shifting European political dynamics and investor sentiment.
