European equity markets closed firmly in positive territory on Thursday, with the pan-European Stoxx 600 index gaining 1.4% by the close.
The broad-based advance was anchored by strong performance in the defense sector, which emerged as a top performer across major continental indices.
3% to close at 24,956 points during that session, driven by a relief rally following reports of a framework agreement between the United States and Iran.
The rally in defense shares underscores the market's continued focus on geopolitical risk premiums and government spending commitments.
Investors appear to be rewarding companies positioned to benefit from sustained security budgets, even as broader sentiment improves.
This session's gains follow a similar move earlier in the week, when European stocks posted solid advances on Monday.
The German DAX rose 1.3% to close at 24,956 points during that session, driven by a relief rally following reports of a framework agreement between the United States and Iran.