European Stocks Rise Amid Iran Tensions

LONDON — European stocks were in positive territory on Wednesday as regional investors assess the latest military operations against Iran and declining oil prices.

The pan-European Stoxx 600 was up 0.3% at 1:05 p.m. in London (8:05 a.m. E.T.).

Major bourses in London, Paris, Frankfurt and Milan all traded higher, while most regional sectors were in the green.

The Iran war remains a focal point for European markets, with regional stocks edging lower on Tuesday after U.S. forces carried out what Central Command described as "self-defense" strikes in southern Iran, targeting missile launch sites and Iranian vessels allegedly attempting to deploy mines.

In response, Iran's foreign ministry accused the U.S. of a "gross violation" of the fragile ceasefire between the two nations.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that the Strait of Hormuz will have to be opened "one way or the other."

The apparent flare-up in hostilities came despite President Donald Trump indicating in a Truth Social post earlier this week that a peace agreement could be in sight, with negotiations "proceeding nicely."

AkzoNobel shares soared almost 21% after the Dutch paint and specialist coating manufacturer, whose brands include Dulux, rejected a joint cash takeover offer from Nippon Paint and Sherwin-Williams worth 73 euros ($85) per share.

In a statement, Akznobel said its boards "unanimously" continue to recommend a planned merger with Axalta instead.

AkzoNobel said the offer "did not come close" to adequately reflecting its value and long-term prospects, adding that the plan offered "insufficient deal certainty" over the separation of the business, with its shareholders "not adequately safeguarded."

Elsewhere, Europe's autos sector were 2.6% in afternoon trade, boosted by a 5.1% year-on-year rise in new car registrations in the European Union, according to ACEA data. Renault jumped almost 4%, with Stellantis rising 2.8%, as Volkswagen advanced 2.3%. Mercedes-Benz gained 2.8% and BMW added 2.1%.