(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 26 mar - US shares were trading lower at midday as investors grappled with conflicting messages over prospects for a ceasefire in the Iran war.

US president Donald Trump, who earlier this week issued a 15-point plan for ending the war warned Tehran today time was running out for a deal. 'They better get serious soon, before it is too late, because once that happens, there is NO TURNING BACK, and it won't be pretty!' he said on social media.

Yesterday Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi was reported as saying Tehran had no intention of negotiating, even as back channels between the two countries continue to work.

Iran has issued its own demands for a ceasefire which include the closure of all American bases in the Gulf and reparations for damages.

Several countries, including Pakistan, are looking to broker a deal between the two sides.

At 1619 GMT, the Dow Jones was down 278.05 points, or 0.60%, at 46,151.44 points.

The S&P 500 was 63.18 points, or 0.96%, lower at 6,528.72 points.

The Nasdaq was losing 288.95 points, or 1.32%, at 21,640.88.

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(RADIOCOR) 26-03-26 17:21:29 (0600) 5 NNNN