US and Iran Announce Preliminary Agreement; European Stocks Hit Record High

European stock markets rallied after the United States and Iran announced a preliminary agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end months of military tension. U.S. President Donald Trump declared the peace deal 'now complete,' confirming the reopening of the strategic waterway and the lifting of maritime blockades. According to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, a formal signing ceremony will be held in Geneva, Switzerland, on the 19th.

The news boosted global risk appetite, prompting a decline in Brent crude oil prices. As of 08:02 GMT on the 15th (16:02 Taiwan time), the Stoxx Europe 600 index rose 1% to 639.20 points, surpassing its previous record set on February 27.

Other major European indices also advanced. London's FTSE 100 edged up 0.24%, while Frankfurt's DAX and Paris's CAC 40 both climbed over 1%. Market analysts attribute the rally to reduced geopolitical risks and renewed investor confidence.