(Il Sole 24 Ore Radiocor) - Milano, 26 mar - US shares opened higher 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.

On the stocks front, shares in Olaplex was up more than 50% in early trade after Germany's Henkel agreed to buy the hair-care brand for around 1.4 billion dollars.

Just after the opening bell the Dow Jones was down 227.33 points, or 0.49%, at 46,202.16 points, the S&P 500 was down 45.43 points, or 0.69%, at 6,546.47, while the Nasdaq was.

down 253.76 points, or 1.16%, at 21,676.07.

(RADIOCOR) 26-03-26 14:47:00 (0486) 5 NNNN