(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 13 apr - European share prices were lower at midday as hopes for a quick resolution to the Middle East conflict faded following the collapse of peace negotiations between the US and Iran and renewed threats from president Donald Trump to block the Strait of Hormuz.

The diplomatic breakdown in Pakistan was triggered by Iran's refusal to abandon its nuclear ambitions and its rejection of what Tehran described as "excessive" US demands.

The escalating tension pushed Brent crude prices over 100 dollars per barrel, sparking fresh concerns over a global energy shock.

These inflationary pressures have led markets to brace for a more hawkish European Central Bank, as investors fear that rising energy costs will force policymakers to keep interest rates higher for longer.

At 1002 GMT, London's FTSE 100 was down 0.43% at 10,555.28 points, while in Frankfurt the DAX fell 1.26% to 23,555.17 points and in Paris the CAC 40 was 0.80% lower at 8,193.85 points. Milan's FTSE MIB slumped 0.73% to 47,259.50 points, while in Madrid the IBEX 35 was 1.42% lower at 17,944.95.

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(RADIOCOR) 13-04-26 12:07:16 (0239) 5 NNNN