PARIS/FRANKFURT (dpa-AFX) - A well-received report regarding Iran's plans for the Strait of Hormuz provided some relief to Europe's major stock exchanges late Thursday afternoon. Key indices significantly pared their intraday losses, with the EuroStoxx 50 closing down just 0.8 percent, while the German benchmark DAX saw its deficit narrow to 0.6 percent. Meanwhile, U.S. markets partially reversed into positive territory.
The state-run Iranian news agency IRNA reported that Iran is currently drafting a protocol with Oman to monitor maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Citing the Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister, the report noted that the discussions focus on ensuring safe passage through the strait. Bloomberg News, also citing the official, reported that Iran has announced intentions to establish tolls for vessels traversing the waterway.
Prior to these statements, European markets had come under heavy pressure following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding continued strikes against Iran./la/he
