(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 24 mar - US futures were lower as hopes for a speedy resolution to the conflict in Iran were dampened by comments out of Tehran.

Wall Street ended higher yesterday after US president Donald Trump said he was postponing attacks on Iran for five days following 'very good' talks. The Dow and the Nasdaq both rose 1.4% while the S&P 500 added 1.2%.

Comments by Trump that the US and Iran had had 'over the last two days, very good and productive conversations regarding a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,' were initially welcomed by investors, boosting stocks and sending oil prices lower.

But comments from Iranian officials denying the existence of any direct talks punctured optimism, sending oil prices back higher.

Investors are looking out for news of talks between the two sides following reports Turkey and Pakistan might try to broker negotiations.

On the stocks front shares in Gilead Sciences were ahead in premarket trade after it agreed to buy biotech company Ouro Medicines.

Futures on the Dow Jones were down 253.00 points, or 0.54%, S&P 500 futures were down 35.00 points, or 0.53%, while.

futures on the Nasdaq were down 131.75 points, or 0.54%.

(RADIOCOR) 24-03-26 14:09:21 (0451) 5 NNNN