European stocks are expected to start the week on a negative note as global traders assess developments in the Middle East, including the U.S. and Iran. The U.K. FTSE index is expected to open 0.62% lower, with Germany's DAX down 1.45%, France's CAC 40 down 1%, and Italy's FTSe MIB 0.9% lower. The move was announced after unsuccessful negotiations between Washington and Tehran failed to reach an agreement to end the conflict. The United States Navy is set to begin the process of blocking ships entering or exiting Iranian ports. The breakdown of negotiations has reignited fears of a prolonged conflict as crude oil prices surged.