Geopolitical gridlock in the Middle East has pulled the euro lower against the U.S. dollar, with the shared currency closing out the week down 0.35% at $1.1629 as surging crude oil prices compound market volatility. As of 3:00 PM GMT on Friday, the euro traded at $1.1629, marking a clear drop from its $1.1680 closing level recorded in the prior trading session. Official data from the European Central Bank reflected this downward shift, with the ECB’s official reference rate for the euro falling to $1.1628 from $1.1702 the day before.