European Markets React to Iran's Strait of Hormuz Closure and Energy Supply Concerns

European stocks declined amid concerns over the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed following Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei's statement, raising fears of disruptions to global oil and gas supplies. Brent crude neared $100 per barrel, while European natural gas futures showed volatility as traders assessed energy shipment risks from the Middle East. The conflict has halted traffic through the strait and affected LNG production in Qatar. Meanwhile, some easing occurred after reports of limited ship transits and no mine-laying in the waterway.