DUBAI: Most Gulf equities closed down on Wednesday, after Iran said there would be no talks with the US to end their conflict unless its demands are met.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in an article published in the Financial Times on Wednesday said Iran is open to diplomacy but will defend itself.
Iran told Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, who was in Tehran as part of the mediation efforts, of the country’s position, Iranian semi-official Nournews reported on Tuesday.
Saudi Arabia’s benchmark index fell 0.3 percent, with Alinma Bank retreating 5 percent, after the lender reported a drop in third-quarter profit. However, oil major Saudi Aramco rose 0.4 percent.
Dubai’s main share index gained 0.4 percent, with top lender Emirates NBD rising 1.3 percent, while the Abu Dhabi index fell 0.6 percent.
The Qatari index added 0.5 percent, snapping a five-session losing streak.
Outside the Gulf, Egypt’s blue-chip index advanced 1.5 percent, with most of its constituents in positive territory including Commercial International Bank, which was up 2.5 percent.