By Muhammad Mamman
Oil prices plunged while European stock markets rebounded sharply on Monday, as investors reacted to a sudden shift in United States policy towards Iran.
Crude futures dropped by more than 14 percent in volatile trading after US President Donald Trump announced a halt to planned strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, citing what he described as “very good” talks with Tehran.
The move marked a dramatic turnaround from the president’s earlier rhetoric over the weekend, when he had signalled a more aggressive stance, raising fears of escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Market sentiment swung rapidly following the announcement, with energy markets hit by expectations of reduced supply disruption, while European equities gained on easing geopolitical concerns.
Analysts said the abrupt policy reversal underscored the fragility of global markets, where prices remain highly sensitive to developments in US-Iran relations and broader geopolitical risks.
