(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 25 mar - European share prices opened higher, following global optimism as reports suggest the US is pursuing a 15- point proposal to resolve the Middle East conflict with Iran.

Markets are reacting positively to signs of diplomatic progress, including potential talks between Washington and Tehran as soon as this Thursday.

Despite the Pentagon ordering an additional 2,000 troops to the region, investors are focusing on the possibility of a one-month ceasefire and the crucial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to non-hostile vessels.

Crude oil declined sharply, easing fears of a global recession that analysts had warned could be triggered if prices continued to climb.

On the data front, the UK's Consumer Prices Index rose by 3.0% in the 12 months to February, holding steady from January and meeting market expectations. While core CPI edged up slightly to 3.2%, the annual inflation rate for services eased to 4.3%.

Meanwhile, industrial producer prices in Spain saw a sharp decline, falling 3.1% month on month and 7.0% year on year in February. This was driven largely by energy prices, which slumped by 22.3% annually. Excluding energy, Spanish industrial producer prices rose by 0.8% year on year.

Investors today will also be looking out for German business confidence figures for further direction on the health of the eurozone economy.

At 0811 GMT, London's FTSE 100 was up 0.87% at 10,052.31 points while in Frankfurt the DAX was 1.21% higher at 22,912.78 points and in Paris the CAC 40 rose 1.32% to 7,846.43 points. Milan's FTSE MIB gained 1.29% to 43,927.50 points while in Madrid the IBEX 35 was 1.42% higher at.

17,150.94 points.

(RADIOCOR) 25-03-26 09:18:08 (0190) 5 NNNN