European equities opened lower on Monday, with the pan-European STOXX 600 index falling 0.3% to 639.29.
The decline marks a continuation of the selling pressure that characterized the previous trading week, as investors remain cautious amid escalating hostilities between the United States and Iran.
The broad-based slide reflects growing pessimism regarding a swift diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict.
Major benchmarks, including the FTSE 100 and the DAX, all traded in negative territory at the open, signaling that risk aversion is broadening across the continent.
This repricing comes despite earlier reports suggesting potential diplomatic breakthroughs, which markets have largely discounted in favor of the prevailing geopolitical risk premium.
The persistent tension between Washington and Tehran continues to act as a headwind for global risk assets.