(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 1 apr - Shares in London closed higher as sentiment was supported by comments from US president Donald Trump, who suggested a potential end to the conflict with Iran within the next few weeks.

Trump, who has signalled his willingness to end the war even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely shut, said yesterday the conflict won't last "much longer." In comments today Trump said Iran's president had asked the US for a ceasefire. "We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear," he said.

Iranian state media reported comments by president Masoud Pezeshkian that Iran has "the necessary will to end this war".

Trump is due to deliver a speech to the nation later today to give an update about the war.

The prospect of a de-escalation provided a much-needed lift to the travel, automotive, and industrial sectors, while financial stocks also trended higher.

On the data front, the UK manufacturing PMI slipped to 51.0 in March from 51.7 in February, coming in below the flash estimate of 51.4.

Among individual stocks, shares of the aerospace and defense group Babcock surged 9.50% to 1,268.00 pence after the company secured a new six-month agreement with the UK defence ministry.

The London FTSE 100 closed up 1.85% at 10,364.79 points.

(RADIOCOR) 01-04-26 18:41:05 (0658) 5 NNNN