Iraq and the United States have signed 48 agreements, memoranda of understanding, and partnership declarations covering energy, banking, technology, infrastructure, agriculture, education, and industry, in what Iraqi officials described as a significant step toward strengthening long-term economic and financial cooperation between the two countries.

Global oil prices have surged by 15% over the past 10 days as diplomatic tensions between the United States and Iran intensified. Military escalation, new sanctions, and additional maritime levies have fueled market uncertainty and pushed crude prices sharply higher.

The Iraqi dinar has entered a period of heightened uncertainty following Prime Minister Ali Faleh al-Zaidi's return from Washington. Analysts say its direction will depend on the implementation of recent economic agreements, developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, and Iraq's internal security situation.

European stock markets edged lower on Wednesday as oil prices extended their gains amid escalating tensions in the Middle East, while investors continued to monitor developments in the technology sector and global inflation.

Global markets reeled Monday as a renewed confrontation between Washington and Tehran sent oil prices surging and triggered a rout in tech stocks from Seoul to Silicon Valley.

European wholesale natural gas prices surged above €50 ($57) per megawatt-hour on Thursday for the first time in a month, following reports that Qatar has suspended plans to rapidly revive liquefied natural gas (LNG) production at its North Field facility.