European equity markets were poised for a lower open on Wednesday, extending losses for a third consecutive session as renewed tensions in the Middle East drove oil prices higher, reviving concerns over inflation and the outlook for interest rates.
The US launched fresh air strikes on Iran following recent attacks on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, while also revoking a waiver that had allowed Iran to sell crude on global markets.
Market sentiment also remained fragile as investors continued rotating out of semiconductor and AI-related stocks amid growing concerns over elevated valuations.
In Europe, investors will monitor French current account data and earnings from British airline Jet2.
In premarket trading, Euro Stoxx 50 and Stoxx 600 futures were both down around 0.3%.