(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 20 mar - Shares in London closed lower, reversing previous gains, as energy prices turned lower following the latest developments in the Middle East.

According to reports, the US is planning to occupy or blockade Kharg Island, which is in the Strati of Hormuz and is vital to Iran's oil exports. The move is aimed at pressuring Tehran to reopen the strait to tanker shipping.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted that the country would look to deploy ground troops to try to achieve the country's aims. He however noted that US president Donald Trump asked him to "hold off" future attacks on Iranian gas fields.

The London FTSE 100 closed down 1.45% at 9,917.60 points.

(RADIOCOR) 20-03-26 18:12:38 (0514) 5 NNNN