(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 25 mar - US shares opened higher buoyed by cautious hopes the conflict between the US and Iran could be slowly nearing resolution.

Media reports said the US has sent Iran a 15-point plan for ending the war which includes dismantling Tehran's nuclear capability and fully opening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has in return issued its demands which include the closure of all American bases in the Gulf and reparations for damages.

A report today by Iranian state media said Iran would not accept a ceasefire offer from the US.

US president Donald Trump said yesterday Washington was 'in negotiations right now' with Iran which, he said, was 'talking sense' and keen to make a peace deal. Iran has denied such talks saying the US is 'negotiating with itself'.

The posturing comes amid reports mediators are stepping up efforts for a US-Iran meeting by Thursday.

On the stocks front, shares in KB Home were down nearly 2% in early trade after the home builder cut its full-year outlook.

Just after the opening bell the Dow Jones was up 490.30 points, or 1.06%, at 46,614.36 points, the S&P 500 was up 58.31 points, or 0.89%, at 6,614.68, while the Nasdaq was up.

252.7 points, or 1.16%, at 22,014.68.

(RADIOCOR) 25-03-26 14:46:55 (0519) 5 NNNN