(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 15 apr - US shares were trading mostly higher as investors welcomed signs of a possible deal in the Iran war but remained wary over a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

In comments broadcast today, US president Donald Trump said the war with Iran was 'very close to over', adding peace talks might resume within two days, making an extension of the two-week ceasefire between the two countries unnecessary.

'We've beaten them militarily, totally,' Trump said in a prerecorded TV interview. 'I think it's close to over, I view it as very close to over. ... If I pulled up stakes right now it would take them 20 years to rebuild that country, and we're not finished.' However, according to the latest news, Tehran has threatened to retaliate to the US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by blocking shipping from the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Red Sea.

On the stocks front, shares in Bank of America and Morgan Stanley were up 2.19% and 4.33% respectively in early trade after the investment banks beat expectations on first-quarter earnings.

At 1739 GMT, the Dow Jones was losing 169.90 points, or 0.35%, at 48,366.30 points.

The S&P 500 was 27.49 points, or 0.39%, higher at 6,994.87 points.

The Nasdaq was gaining 246.46 points, or 1.04%, at 23,885.54.

points.

(RADIOCOR) 15-04-26 19:47:53 (0793) 5 NNNN