(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 24 mar - US shares opened lower as hopes for a speedy resolution to the conflict in Iran faltered.

Comments by US president Donald 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,' boosted stocks yesterday and sent oil prices lower.

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

Investors are monitoring developments amid reports Turkey and Pakistan might be ready to broker talks between the two sides as early as this week.

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

Just after the opening bell the Dow Jones was down 319.87 points, or 0.69%, at 45,588.60 points, the S&P 500 was down 38.15 points, or 0.58%, at 6,542.85, while the Nasdaq was.

down 157.27 points, or 0.72%, at 21,789.50.

(RADIOCOR) 24-03-26 14:49:24 (0481) 5 NNNN