European stock markets fall today amid tensions over the war in Iran.

• European stock markets fall amid war in Iran.
• Global investors are paying close attention to the conflict in the Middle East.
• Geopolitical tension puts pressure on stock exchanges and financial markets.

European stock markets opened lower on Thursday, reflecting investor caution amid escalating tensions in the Iran war. Rising tensions in the Middle East have increased risk aversion in global markets, as traders monitor new military and political developments in the region.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index registered a decline of approximately 0,6% in early trading. Among the main national indices, London's FTSE 100 opened down about 0,4%, while Germany's DAX fell approximately 0,3%. France's CAC 40 registered a drop of about 0,5%, and Spain's IBEX 35 began the day with a decline of around 0,4%.

Most sectors operated in negative territory. The exceptions were companies linked to Oil and Gas, as well as Public Utilities companies and the Food and Beverage sector, which showed relatively more stable performance in the face of the uncertain environment.

Spanish stocks also came into investors' sights following a new diplomatic spat between the United States and Spain. The current US president, Donald Trump, publicly criticized Madrid's decision not to authorize the use of Spanish military bases for American operations against Iran.

“Spain has behaved terribly,” Trump said on Tuesday. “We’re going to cut off all trade with Spain. We don’t want anything more to do with Spain.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez described the situation in the Middle East as a "disaster" during statements made on Wednesday, highlighting the political and economic impact of the escalating conflict.

In recent days, military clashes between the US and Israel against Iran have intensified. Israel carried out a new series of attacks against Tehran on Wednesday, while the Israeli Defense Minister stated that the country intends to "crush" the capabilities of the Iranian regime.

American authorities also released figures on the military operations, stating that they had destroyed 17 Iranian vessels and nearly 2.000 targets linked to the regime.

In the Iranian political landscape, reports indicate that clerics responsible for choosing the next supreme leader are considering the possibility of appointing Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to the position.

Analysts point out that the outcome of the so-called "Operation Epic Fury," conducted by the US and Israel, is still uncertain. Experts interviewed by international media outlets say the conflict could drag on if the Iranian government puts up more resistance than initially anticipated.

Meanwhile, investors are also watching the release of corporate results from major European companies, including Merck, DHL Group, Reckitt Benckiser, Galderma, and Universal Music Group. Recent retail sales data from the European Union will also be on the market's radar throughout the day.