(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 2 apr - US shares were trading slightly lower at midday after comments from US president Donald Trump dampened hopes for a quick end to the war with Iran.

In a national address last night, Trump said military aims in Iran would be met 'very shortly' but added the US will hit Iran 'extremely hard' in the next 2-3 weeks, saying 'we're going to bring them back to the stone ages, where they belong.' Iran replied that 'as far as the Iranian nation is concerned, we are absolutely determined and resolute to continue our defense against this aggression ... we have no choice but to fight back fiercely.' Trump also repeated that opening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade, was a problem for other countries.

Oil prices jumped with WTI futures up 9.06% and Brent up more than 4.83%.

The stock market is closed tomorrow for Easter holiday.

At 1526 GMT, the Dow Jones was down 92.75 points, or 0.20%, at 46,472.99 points.

The S&P 500 was 4.56 points, or 0.07%, lower at 6,570.76 points.

The Nasdaq was losing 37.72 points, or 0.17%, at 21,803.23.

points.

(RADIOCOR) 02-04-26 17:29:47 (0508) 5 NNNN