European stocks closed sharply higher on Wednesday, tracking the positive momentum for global equity markets as hopes of an eventual de-escalation in the Iran conflict eased stagflation fears and improved risk sentiment and lowered benchmark credit costs. The Eurozone's STOXX 50 surged 2.9% to 5,732 and the pan-European STOXX 600 gained 2.5% to 598. US President Trump and Iranian officials continued to release statements aiming at de-escalation, although neither side welcomed respective conditions for a ceasefires. Still, the pullback in yields supported the heavyweight banking sector with Santander, UniCredit, and BNP Paribas all rising more than 5.5%. Tech stocks also gained amid support from US counterparts, with ASML adding 6.1%. Meanwhile, a series of upgrades from US brokers supported the defense sector, with Rheinmetall and Leonardo soaring nearly 10% each.