By Amanda Castro, Brendan Cole, and Anna Commander

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President Donald Trump addressed the nation during a prime-time speech Wednesday night saying in part that the "core strategic objectives are nearing completion" amid the war in Iran.

Just hours before President Trump was set to deliver a primetime address on the Iran war, he signaled a dramatic shift in tone — saying he “didn’t care” about Iran’s remaining enriched uranium because it was buried deep underground. The remark added to a string of conflicting statements about how and when the conflict might end, even as Iran’s president issued his own message urging the United States to abandon “the path of confrontation.”

What To Know:

• Trump told Reuters he was unconcerned about Iran’s buried uranium stockpile, despite previously calling it a central justification for the war.
• Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian released a letter to the American people calling confrontation “costly and futile,” though Iran’s Foreign Ministry denied seeking a cease-fire.
• Trump has offered no clear conditions for ending the war, saying only that he won’t consider a cease-fire until the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.
• Tehran residents were jolted awake early Wednesday by heavy Israeli airstrikes on the capital; U.S. Central Command says it has hit more than 12,300 targets in Iran since the war began.
• Iran launched one of its largest missile barrages yet at Israel on Wednesday evening, causing widespread damage in central cities, according to Israeli emergency services.
• Trump claimed “Iran’s New Regime President” asked for a cease-fire, though Iran says no such request was made and no new government exists.
• An Iranian official warned the U.S. will not regain access to the Strait of Hormuz, saying it will reopen “but not for you.”
• Trump said he is considering pulling the U.S. out of NATO, alarming European leaders already rattled by the conflict.
• Israeli strikes in Beirut killed at least seven people and wounded 24; more attacks were reported across southern Lebanon.
• Civilian death tolls continue to climb: at least 1,598 killed in Iran, 1,318 in Lebanon, and 17 in Israel. The U.S. has lost 13 service members.

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Apr 01, 2026 at 09:45 PM EDT

Marjorie Taylor Greene says she is “beyond done” after Trump speech

The former Republican congresswoman ripped into the president following his speech taking to X saying, "I wanted so much for President Trump to put America First. That’s what I believed he would do. All I heard from his speech tonight was WAR WAR WAR."

Greene added, "Nothing to lower the cost of living for Americans. Nothing to reduce our near $40 trillion in debt. Nothing to save Social Security, which goes bankrupt in just a few years. Nothing to lower the cost of insurance. Nothing to address jobs for Americans. Nothing about education for our children. Nothing about our children’s future. Nothing for America’s future."

"I’m so beyond done. I pray for our military and their families. I pray for innocent people all over the world. I pray for peace and prosperity for all," Greene concluded.

View this post on X

Apr 01, 2026 at 09:33 PM EDT

Trump says when conflict is over, Strait of Hormuz “will open up naturally”

Trump said that when the war in Iran is over, the Strait of Hormuz "will open up naturally, it'll just open up naturally."

"They're going to want to be able to sell oil, because that's all they have to try and rebuild. It will resume the flowing and the gas prices will rapidly come back down, stock prices will rapidly go back up," Trump said.

Apr 01, 2026 at 09:25 PM EDT

Trump addresses gas price spike, saying it is “short term”

Trump said "many Americans have been concerned to see the recent rise in gasoline prices here at home. This short-term increase has been entirely the result of the Iranian regime launching deranged terror attacks against commercial oil tankers and neighboring countries that have nothing to do with the conflict."

The president said it is "more proof" that Iran cannot be trusted with nuclear weapons.

Apr 01, 2026 at 09:18 PM EDT

Strategic objectives against Iran “nearing completion,” Trump says

Trump said, "tonight I'm pleased to say that these core strategic objectives are nearing completion."

The president said the United States' Armed Forces have been extraordinary. Trump also noted the 13 military members who lost their lives amid the ongoing fight.

Apr 01, 2026 at 09:12 PM EDT

Trump says Iran had weapons that “nobody believed they had”

President Trump said that Iran had weapons including ones "nobody believed they had."

"We just learned that out, we took them out, we took them all out," he added during his live address.

Apr 01, 2026 at 09:04 PM EDT

Watch Trump’s address live

View this post on X

Apr 01, 2026 at 09:00 PM EDT

Trump about to address the nation

President Donald Trump is minutes away from addressing the nation at Eastern, a speech the White House says will deliver “an important update” on the war in Iran but has offered no further details about.

The primetime remarks come at a moment of intensifying regional violence, rising global economic strain, and mounting questions about the administration’s long‑term strategy.

Apr 01, 2026 at 08:57 PM EDT

Vance delivers private warning to Iran as Trump signals openness to ceasefire

Vice President JD Vance has been in contact with intermediaries involved in discussions over the Iran war as recently as Tuesday, conveying President Donald Trump’s growing impatience and warning that pressure on Iran’s infrastructure will intensify if no agreement is reached, according to a person familiar with the talks who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The source said Trump instructed Vance to communicate privately that the United States is open to a ceasefire, but only if Iran meets a set of U.S. demands. The message underscores the administration’s dual approach of escalating military pressure while keeping a diplomatic off‑ramp available.

Apr 01, 2026 at 08:44 PM EDT

Trump abruptly downplays Iran’s nuclear stockpile in sharp break from his long-held warnings

President Donald Trump, who has spent more than a decade arguing that Iran must never obtain the nuclear material needed to build a bomb, dramatically shifted his tone on Wednesday, telling Reuters he is no longer concerned about Tehran’s stockpile because it is buried “so far underground.”

International inspectors estimate Iran holds roughly 970 pounds of uranium enriched to 60 percent — enough, if further refined, to fuel 10 to 12 nuclear weapons. Asked about that material, Trump said it was no longer a worry, adding that the United States would “always be watching it by satellite.” It was the second time in 24 hours he declared the nuclear issue “solved,” despite no evidence that Iran’s capabilities have been dismantled.

The comments stunned many observers because Trump has long argued that Iran’s ability to produce and stockpile enriched uranium posed an existential threat. His central critique of the 2015 nuclear deal was that even though the agreement removed 97 percent of Iran’s fuel stockpile, it left the country with the capacity to produce more. When he withdrew from the accord in 2018, he warned Iran could still be “on the verge of a nuclear breakout.”

Iran’s stockpile today is far larger than it was when he made that claim. Trump justified U.S. strikes last June on Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan by saying they were necessary to prevent Iran from converting its 60‑percent stockpile into weapons‑grade material. During failed negotiations in February, his envoys — Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner — demanded Iran ship all nuclear fuel out of the country and permanently halt production.

When talks stalled, Trump argued that military action was needed because Iran was “attempting to rebuild their nuclear program,” a reference to new centrifuge production cited by U.S. intelligence.

Some analysts believe Trump may be downplaying the threat to mask potential future military action. The United States and Israel have rehearsed raids on Iran’s underground storage sites, though there is no indication any enriched uranium has been removed. The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran is not currently enriching further, but Director General Rafael Grossi has repeatedly warned that the remaining stockpile could be taken to weapons‑grade within days or weeks.

Trump told Reuters the United States had already achieved its objectives and that Iran is now “incapable” of producing a nuclear weapon. He left open the possibility of withdrawing U.S. forces and returning later if Iran resumed enrichment, saying the U.S. could conduct “spot hits” if necessary.

Apr 01, 2026 at 08:31 PM EDT

UK to host 35-nation meeting on reopening the Strait of Hormuz

Britain will convene a virtual meeting on Thursday with representatives from 35 countries to examine diplomatic and political options for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as global pressure mounts to restore shipping through the critical waterway.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper will lead the session, the first time this group of nations has gathered to coordinate a response to the crisis. A British official told CNN the UK is working closely with the United States and partners including the Gulf Cooperation Council on the initiative.

The meeting comes as President Donald Trump intensifies criticism of European allies, urging them “to start learning how to fight for yourself” amid frustrations over burden‑sharing and military support.

Starmer said military planners will also meet to assess how international capabilities could be organized to make the strait “accessible and safe after the fighting has stopped,” though he cautioned that the task “will not be easy.”

The diplomatic push reflects growing urgency as the closure of Hormuz continues to disrupt global trade, energy markets, and regional security.

Apr 01, 2026 at 08:18 PM EDT

Oil flows through Bab el-Mandeb surge as Saudi Arabia reroutes exports

Nearly 4 million barrels per day of crude passed through the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait in March, the highest level since October 2023, according to new data from maritime analytics firm Kpler. The sharp increase reflects the shift in global oil flows since the near‑shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, which has forced producers to find alternative routes.

Saudi Arabia has been sending more crude westward through its East‑West pipeline, which runs from the Aqaiq processing hub near the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. The pipeline has allowed Saudi Aramco to maintain some exports that would otherwise have been blocked by the Hormuz closure, though it does not have the capacity to fully replace the lost volumes. Before the war, Yanbu typically shipped 750,000 to 850,000 barrels a day; in March, it accounted for 1.75 million barrels a day of the crude moving through Bab el‑Mandeb.

Kpler said most of the remaining barrels transiting the strait last month were Russian shipments bound for Asia, underscoring how the conflict has reshaped global trade patterns and pushed more oil through one of the world’s most strategically sensitive waterways.

Apr 01, 2026 at 08:05 PM EDT

Rosatom to evacuate most staff from Bushehr nuclear plant after Israeli strikes

Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom plans to evacuate more than 200 employees from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant this week, its chief Alexei Likhachev said in an interview with state broadcaster Rossiya‑24. The move follows a series of Israeli attacks on Bushehr and other nuclear sites in recent days.

Likhachev said only about 50 personnel would remain at the facility, all of them volunteers who agreed to stay on despite the escalating security risks. Rosatom built Bushehr’s first reactor and continues to work on additional units at the site.

Apr 01, 2026 at 07:52 PM EDT

London stocks rebound as Trump signals Iran war could end soon

London’s main stock indexes closed sharply higher on Wednesday after President Donald Trump suggested the Iran war may wind down soon, easing investor fears of prolonged conflict‑driven inflation and reducing expectations for further Bank of England rate hikes.

The FTSE 100 finished up 1.8%, while the FTSE 250 gained 2.2%, a notable reversal after both indexes suffered their steepest monthly drop since 2020 on Tuesday amid surging oil prices and war‑related volatility. Trump told Reuters the United States would end its campaign against Iran “fairly soon” and could return for “spot hits” if necessary — comments that immediately rippled through markets.

Interest‑rate futures shifted in response, with traders now fully pricing in just one 25‑basis‑point BoE hike by the end of 2026, and only a faint possibility of a second. That compares with expectations of two or three hikes earlier in the week. Still, Governor Andrew Bailey warned that markets were getting ahead of themselves, saying the central bank wants to avoid worsening the economic damage already caused by the war.

Most FTSE 350 sectors ended the day higher, though energy stocks fell 4.2% after oil prices slid on Middle East uncertainty. Aerospace and defense shares jumped 5.7%, giving the FTSE 100 its biggest lift, while major banks rose more than 5%, with NatWest, TBC Bank, and Lloyds all posting strong gains.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the instability triggered by the Iran war underscored the need for Britain to deepen economic and defense ties with Europe. Meanwhile, the country’s food and drink manufacturers warned that food prices could rise nearly 10% by the end of 2026 — triple their previous forecast — as supply chains strain under higher fuel costs and shipping delays linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Fresh data from S&P Global showed factory cost pressures surging in March and delivery delays reaching their worst levels since mid‑2022. Homebuilder Berkeley fell 9.6% after forecasting slower profit growth through 2030 and announcing it would halt land purchases amid war‑related uncertainty and the risk of higher interest rates.

Apr 01, 2026 at 07:39 PM EDT

Hezbollah claims series of strikes on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon

Hezbollah announced a rapid succession of attacks on Israeli military positions Wednesday, saying its fighters had targeted newly deployed artillery and engaged Israeli aircraft in multiple areas along the border.

The group said it struck a recently established Israeli artillery emplacement in Rabaa Thalathin with missiles, part of what it described as ongoing operations against Israeli ground forces. It also claimed to have shot down an Israeli drone over Ainata using a surface‑to‑air missile, and said its fighters “confronted” an Israeli warplane in the skies above Bflay.

The Israel Defense Forces did not immediately comment on any of the assertions, which come amid some of the heaviest cross‑border exchanges since the start of the war.

Apr 01, 2026 at 07:26 PM EDT

European allies tighten restrictions on U.S. military movements linked to Iran war

Several key European partners have moved in recent days to limit U.S. military activity connected to the Iran war, closing airspace, denying landing rights, or blocking overflights as political tensions deepen across the alliance.

Spain has taken the most sweeping steps, shutting its airspace to U.S. aircraft involved in the conflict after previously barring use of the jointly operated Rota and Morón bases. Defense Minister Margarita Robles said Washington had been told “from the very beginning” that Spanish territory could not be used for any Iran‑related operations. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has repeatedly called for an end to the war, while U.S. officials insist they do not need Spanish support to meet operational goals. Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused Madrid of “bragging” about the restrictions.

In France, President Donald Trump claimed Paris refused to allow planes carrying military supplies to Israel to fly through French airspace, calling the move “very unhelpful.” French officials have not commented, but Reuters reported that France blocked an Israeli request to use its airspace to transport U.S. weapons — the first such refusal since the conflict began.

Italy has also imposed limits, denying landing rights at the Sigonella base in Sicily for several U.S. bombers whose flight plans were submitted mid‑route. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto made the decision, though Italy has not closed its airspace entirely to U.S. military aircraft. The Pentagon said only that U.S. European Command continues to operate under existing access and basing agreements.

Even

Apr 01, 2026 at 07:13 PM EDT

WATCH: Trump hints at Iran ceasefire ahead of national address

Apr 01, 2026 at 07:00 PM EDT

What a U.S. withdrawal from NATO would mean

A U.S. withdrawal from NATO would fundamentally reshape the global security order, stripping Europe of its primary military protector and weakening the Western alliance that has defined international politics since World War II. Analysts say it would fracture trust with long‑standing partners, embolden adversaries such as Russia and China, and force Europe to rapidly rethink how it defends itself.

The loss of America’s security guarantee would erode the credibility of NATO’s Article 5 commitment, which has long served as the backbone of deterrence against Russian aggression. Without U.S. backing, Eastern European countries would be especially exposed, and the alliance’s ability to coordinate collective defense would be severely diminished.

A withdrawal would also mean the likely closure of major U.S. bases across Europe, dramatically reducing Washington’s ability to project military power into the Middle East, Africa, and the continent’s eastern flank. The ripple effects would extend into the U.S. economy as well, with American defense companies potentially losing tens of billions in weapons sales as European nations shift toward their own industries.

Europe, meanwhile, would face pressure to build a new security architecture. NATO might continue in some form, but without the United States it would be forced to reorganize around European capabilities, including renewed debate over whether the continent needs its own nuclear deterrent.

Legally, a U.S. exit would be messy. A 2024 law requires congressional approval for any withdrawal, setting up a likely clash between branches of government. Treaty obligations, basing agreements, and long‑standing military contracts would all become subjects of intense legal scrutiny.

The result would be a geopolitical realignment unlike anything seen in decades, with the United States relinquishing its role as the central power of the Western alliance and Europe scrambling to fill the vacuum.

Apr 01, 2026 at 06:47 PM EDT

Iran denies seeking ceasefire after Trump claims outreach

A spokesperson for Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday rejected President Donald Trump’s assertion that Tehran had asked Washington for a ceasefire, calling the claim fabricated and politically motivated.

In a post on X, Seyyed Mehdi Tabatabaei, speaking for Pezeshkian’s office, said Iran’s stance on defending its territory “has not changed,” adding that officials “give no attention to the delusions and falsehoods of criminals.”

“The people of Iran are determined, steadfast, and united in defending their homeland. Unity is the key to our victory,” he wrote.

Tabatabaei’s comments came after Trump claimed on Truth Social that Iran’s leadership had privately requested a pause in fighting. Trump did not name the official he said made the offer, referring only to “Iran’s New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors.” Pezeshkian has served as president since 2024.

Apr 01, 2026 at 06:33 PM EDT

IRC warns Iran war is deepening Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) warned Wednesday that the war in Iran is worsening Afghanistan’s already fragile humanitarian situation, driving up costs and straining aid operations in a country still reeling from conflict, economic collapse, and earlier cuts to international assistance.

“The conflict in the Middle East is having a grave impact on neighboring countries, not least because the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz is hiking up the cost of fuel and supplies essential to the delivery of humanitarian aid,” said Lisa Owen, the IRC’s Afghanistan director, in a statement to CNN.

Owen said rising prices for basic goods are intensifying Afghanistan’s hunger crisis and warned that without a rapid surge in global funding, “the humanitarian response is set to collapse, and millions of Afghans will pay the price.”

The IRC is currently providing emergency support to refugees returning from Iran through the Islam Qala border crossing, where it says conditions could quickly become “untenable” if the number of arrivals increases.

The organization also cautioned that war‑related disruptions to supply chains and fuel markets are compounding humanitarian emergencies far beyond the region, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria, and Sudan. These pressures come at a time when the global aid system is already stretched thin following significant funding cuts last year.

Apr 01, 2026 at 06:20 PM EDT

Trump downplays Iran’s nuclear stockpile, contradicting years of his own warnings

President Donald Trump, who for more than a decade has framed Iran’s nuclear program as an urgent global threat, abruptly shifted tone Wednesday, telling Reuters he is no longer concerned about Tehran’s stockpile of near‑weapons‑grade uranium because it is stored “so far underground.”

International inspectors say Iran has roughly 970 pounds of uranium enriched to 60 percent — material that could be converted into enough fuel for 10 to 12 nuclear weapons if taken to weapons‑grade levels. Asked about that stockpile, Trump dismissed the danger, saying the U.S. would “always be watching it by satellite.” It was the second time in 24 hours he claimed the nuclear issue had been “solved,” despite no evidence that Iran’s capabilities have been dismantled.

The remarks mark a stark departure from Trump’s long‑standing argument that Iran’s enrichment capacity posed an existential threat. His withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal was rooted in the belief that even a compliant Iran could “break out” quickly. And as recently as last year, Trump justified U.S. strikes on Natanz, Fordo, and Isfahan by saying they were necessary to prevent Iran from turning its 60 percent stockpile into bomb‑usable material.

During failed negotiations in February, Trump’s envoys — Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner — demanded Iran ship all nuclear fuel out of the country and permanently halt production. When talks stalled, Trump argued that military action was needed because Iran was “attempting to rebuild” its program, a reference to new centrifuge production.

U.S. and Israeli forces have rehearsed potential raids on Iran’s underground storage sites, though there is no indication any enriched uranium has been removed. The International Atomic Energy Agency says Iran is not currently enriching further, but Director General Rafael Grossi has repeatedly warned that the remaining stockpile could be taken to weapons‑grade in a matter of days or weeks.

Trump told Reuters he may withdraw U.S. forces soon but left open the possibility of returning for “spot hits” if Iran resumes enrichment. “They won’t have a nuclear weapon because they are incapable of that now,” he said — a claim sharply at odds with assessments from inspectors and intelligence officials.

Apr 01, 2026 at 06:07 PM EDT

The new—and the secret weapons US may be using in Iran

The U.S. has tested out new drones and missiles in combat for the first time since launching the initial strikes on Iran more than four weeks ago.

At least one new ballistic missile, plus an attack drone modeled on one of Iran's designs, have been debuted by U.S. forces in battle since the opening salvos of the U.S.-Israeli bombardment of Iran from February 28.

American troops may have also used two newly developed anti-drone systems in the face of persistent Iranian attacks, experts suggest.

U.S. and Israeli operations are well into their fifth week, strikes continuing on the capital, Tehran, in the early hours of Wednesday. Iranian media also reported attacks on steel facilities in central and southwestern Iran.

At least 14 people were injured in Israel after several Iranian missile barrages into Wednesday, emergency services said, while Iran launched fresh attacks on the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Bahrain.

President Donald Trump suggested the U.S. could finish operations against Tehran in "two weeks, maybe three," telling reporters on Tuesday a deal with Iran to end the war is "irrelevant" despite his repeated threats of overwhelming assaults on Iran if its top officials don't ink an agreement.

Trump has said the U.S. is engaged in negotiations with Iran, which Tehran has denied. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told broadcaster Al Jazeera he was in contact with Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff.

Read more here.

Apr 01, 2026 at 05:54 PM EDT

Lufthansa braces for jet fuel shortages in Asia as Iran war disrupts supply

Lufthansa is preparing for potential jet‑fuel shortages outside Europe as the war in Iran continues to upend global supply routes, CEO Carsten Spohr said in an interview published Wednesday. Spohr told FAZ that the airline is already seeing early warning signs in Asia, where some airports have stopped accepting additional flights because their fuel reserves are stretched.

“If shortages in the kerosene supply occur, they are likely to be felt first outside Europe,” Spohr said, noting that disruptions linked to the conflict are beginning to ripple through long‑haul operations.

Despite the uncertainty, Spohr said the airline group is insulated in the near term, having hedged more than 80 percent of its fuel needs for 2026. Still, he warned that prolonged instability around the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments — could deepen the strain on international carriers.

Apr 01, 2026 at 05:41 PM EDT

Syrian TV says crew targeted in Quneitra, Israel denies claim

Syrian state television reported Wednesday that one of its news crews came under fire while reporting in Quneitra Province in southern Syria, accusing the Israeli military of targeting its journalists. The broadcaster aired video showing a reporter wearing a press vest dropping to the ground as the person filming said a “second shelling” had struck nearby.

The Israel Defense Forces rejected the allegation, saying the journalists were not the intended target. According to the military, the crew arrived only after Israeli forces had already carried out their strike, though it did not specify what the operation was aimed at.

Apr 01, 2026 at 05:28 PM EDT

U.S. offers $3 million reward for information on attacks in Iraq

The U.S. State Department is offering up to $3 million for information on those responsible for recent attacks targeting American diplomatic sites in Iraq, including the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, the Consulate General in Erbil, and the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center.

The reward, announced through the department’s Rewards for Justice program, follows a surge in strikes on U.S. facilities since the start of the U.S.–Israeli war against Iran. Washington has blamed Iranian‑aligned militia groups for many of the incidents.

“If you have information on Iranian‑aligned terrorist militia groups or others responsible for these attacks, send us your tips today,” the notice said, adding that eligible tipsters may qualify for relocation in addition to financial compensation.

The program has issued multiple bounties related to Iranian leadership and affiliated networks since the conflict began, underscoring Washington’s effort to disrupt groups it sees as driving instability across Iraq and the wider region.

Apr 01, 2026 at 05:15 PM EDT

Iran launches major missile barrage at Israel as Passover begins

Early Wednesday evening, just as families across Israel were preparing to begin Passover, Iran fired a wave of missiles at the country in what state‑aligned media in Tehran described as one of its largest attacks of the war.

The strikes triggered air‑raid sirens across central Israel and caused extensive damage in several cities, according to the national fire and rescue service.

Apr 01, 2026 at 05:02 PM EDT

Tehran rocked by pre-dawn bombardment as residents describe ‘earthquake-like’ blasts

Residents of Tehran were jolted awake early Wednesday as a series of powerful airstrikes shook the capital, blowing out windows, rattling buildings, and sending families scrambling for shelter in the dark. Several described the blasts as among the strongest they have felt since the war began more than a month ago, with some comparing the tremors to an earthquake.

“It feels like if this continues, World War III isn’t far away,” said Saeed, a resident who spoke on condition of partial anonymity out of fear of repercussions. He called the relentless pace of the conflict “exhausting” and “very, very scary.”

Images shared by residents showed thick gray smoke rising over the skyline as local outlets reported strikes across seven districts of the densely populated city. At least 16 residential buildings were damaged, and rescue workers were seen combing through rubble in search of survivors. In one video, a man in a Red Crescent uniform stood amid the debris of a collapsed structure, saying he was looking for families who might be trapped.

Iran’s government has not provided regular casualty updates, but the Human Rights Activists News Agency said Tuesday that 1,598 civilians have been killed so far, including 244 children.

For many in Tehran, the war has reshaped even the most familiar parts of daily life. Lili, another resident, said the arrival of spring has only sharpened the contrast between the city’s natural beauty and the devastation from the bombardment. Snowcapped mountains that once framed the skyline are now frequently obscured by smoke, she said, and shattered windows have become so common that trucks carrying replacement glass are a daily sight.

Still, she added, people continue to push through their routines. After Wednesday’s heavy blasts, she went out for breakfast with friends. “We’ve become used to this situation,” she said. “You go outside, and everyone is talking about what else has been hit.”

Apr 01, 2026 at 04:49 PM EDT

Trump to deliver first prime-time Iran war address as political pressure mounts

President Donald Trump will deliver a prime‑time speech on the war in Iran tonight, his first major address since the conflict began more than a month ago, as sinking approval ratings and rising economic anxiety intensify the political stakes at home.

The White House has released no details about what Trump plans to announce, but the speech comes hours after he claimed that Iran had sought a pause in fighting — a statement Tehran has repeatedly denied. Trump has said any ceasefire request would only be considered once the Strait of Hormuz is reopened to global shipping, a condition that underscores the uncertainty surrounding the war’s direction.

Trump is scheduled to speak at 9 p.m. ET (0100 GMT Thursday), a notably late first address compared to the early wartime speeches presidents typically deliver at the outset of major conflicts. The timing reflects the administration’s struggle to manage both the military campaign and its domestic fallout.

Recent polling shows Trump’s approval rating slipping below 40 percent, with disapproval climbing into the mid‑50s as voters grow increasingly uneasy about the war and its economic consequences. Support for the Iran campaign itself is deeply underwater, with majorities opposing the offensive and independents turning sharply against it.

Tonight’s address is expected to be closely watched by allies, adversaries, and a domestic audience grappling with rising fuel prices and broader economic strain — pressures that have quickly become central to the political debate surrounding the war.

Apr 01, 2026 at 04:36 PM EDT

Macron and Takaichi call for ceasefire and safe passage through Hormuz

French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi urged a swift de‑escalation of the Iran war on Wednesday, saying both countries are united in their support for international law, democratic values, and restoring stability to the region. Macron said the two leaders agreed on the need for “a return to peace, a ceasefire, calm, and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” a waterway whose closure has rattled global markets.

Speaking at a joint news conference at Akasaka Palace in Tokyo, Takaichi said they shared concern over the rapidly worsening regional environment and emphasized the importance of securing the strait and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of essential goods. She said deepening cooperation between Japan and France is especially meaningful at a moment of heightened global uncertainty.

Both leaders said they also agreed to expand collaboration in defense, rare earths development, nuclear energy, space, and other strategic sectors—part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral ties as the conflict continues to reshape global security dynamics.

Apr 01, 2026 at 04:23 PM EDT

Mother of kidnapped U.S. journalist in Iraq says she is ‘terrified’ but praying for her safety

The mother of missing American journalist Shelly Kittleson says she learned of her daughter’s kidnapping from news reports before federal agents arrived at her home in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, deepening her fear and confusion as the search continues.

Barb Kittleson, 72, told CNN she last exchanged emails with her daughter on Monday, when Shelly sent photos of herself from Iraq, where she has lived for years. By Tuesday night, the FBI was at her door informing her of the abduction.

“Terrible. Scared. I’ll pray for her,” she said, describing the moment she realized her daughter had been taken. Her hope, she added, is simply for Shelly “not to be hurt and be OK.”

Shelly Kittleson left Wisconsin in 1995 at age 19, first moving to Italy, where she studied and worked as a nanny for about a decade before eventually settling in Iraq. Her mother said she has not seen her in person since 2002, but the two exchange emails several times a week — including the message Shelly sent just a day before she disappeared.

Apr 01, 2026 at 04:10 PM EDT

Germany caps daily fuel price hikes as Iran war drives energy shock

Germany has moved to shield consumers from soaring fuel costs by banning gas stations from raising pump prices more than once a day, a response to the sharp jump in global oil prices triggered by the war between the United States and Iran. The new regulation, introduced Wednesday, allows a single price increase at noon, though stations may still lower prices at any time. Officials said some stations had been adjusting prices up to 22 times a day as energy markets spiked.

The government said the measure is designed to curb the “rocket and feather effect,” where fuel prices rise rapidly when crude oil climbs but fall only slowly when global prices ease. Companies that violate the rule could face fines of up to €100,000 (about $116,000). Berlin is also preparing legal changes to crack down on what it calls “abusive fuel price increases” by dominant market players.

Oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel as the Strait of Hormuz, a route for roughly a quarter of the world’s oil, remains effectively closed by Iran. On Wednesday, West Texas Intermediate traded above $98 a barrel, while Brent crude hovered above $101. Analysts warn the disruption could push prices even higher in the coming months.

Germany’s move is part of a broader European effort to blunt the economic fallout. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently announced a £53 million support package for vulnerable households and extended caps on energy bills and fuel duty. Denmark has urged citizens to drive less and conserve energy, while Austria and Hungary have imposed their own limits on fuel price increases. France has launched inspections to prevent price gouging.

The International Energy Agency warned Wednesday that the crisis will deepen in April, even after its 32 member countries agreed to release 400 million barrels from emergency reserves. IEA chief Fatih Birol said the agency may consider releasing additional supplies as the war continues to strain global markets.

Apr 01, 2026 at 04:07 PM EDT

Iran’s president issues letter to Americans urging diplomacy ahead of Trump’s address

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian released an open letter to the American public on Wednesday, urging a shift away from confrontation just hours before President Donald Trump was set to deliver a primetime address on the Iran war. The message, published in both English and Persian, framed the conflict as a pivotal moment for both nations and hinted at the possibility of diplomatic engagement.

Pezeshkian wrote that the “path of confrontation is more costly and futile than ever before,” casting the world as standing at a “crossroads” where the choice between escalation and dialogue would shape the future for generations. While he did not outline concrete steps toward de‑escalation, the tone was markedly more conciliatory than recent statements from Tehran.

The timing of the letter was notable. Earlier in the day, Trump claimed on social media that Iran had requested a cease-fire — a statement Iran’s Foreign Ministry dismissed as “false and baseless.” Pezeshkian’s letter did not directly address Trump’s claim, and it remained unclear whether the outreach reflected a broader consensus among Iran’s leadership.

The president’s message also carried flashes of defiance. He invoked Iran’s long history of surviving invasions and upheaval, asserting that the country “has never initiated a war” but has “resolutely and bravely repelled those who have attacked it.” He defended Iran’s retaliatory strikes against Israel and Gulf states but did not mention the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has severely disrupted global trade.

Pezeshkian’s authority is limited within Iran’s political system, where ultimate power rests with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. Since the war began, the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and senior military commanders — including parliamentary speaker and former IRGC commander Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf — have taken on an increasingly prominent role in shaping wartime decisions. Trump has said the U.S. is in contact with “more moderate factions” in Iran, though he has not identified them.

Iran has yet to formally respond to the Trump administration’s 15‑point peace proposal delivered via Pakistan. Trump has said Vice President JD Vance could meet senior Iranian officials if negotiations move forward.

Pezeshkian has been engaged in his own diplomatic outreach. In a call with European Council President António Costa on Tuesday, he said Iran would be willing to end the war if its conditions were met, including guarantees of a permanent end to hostilities, according to Iranian state media.

His letter also drew backlash at home. Hard‑line figures accused him of signaling weakness by suggesting Iran was open to negotiations. A senior aide, Elias Hazrati, pushed back, saying critics were “playing into the hands of aggressors.”

Despite the political crosscurrents, Pezeshkian sought to distinguish between the American government and its citizens, writing that Iranians “harbor no enmity” toward the people of the United States. He argued that Iran’s actions were “measured” and rooted in self‑defense, not aggression.

Apr 01, 2026 at 03:57 PM EDT

Vance quietly engaged in Iran war talks as Trump signals ceasefire conditions: report

Vice President JD Vance has been in contact with intermediaries involved in discussions about the war in Iran, including as recently as Tuesday, according to a source briefed on the matter who spoke to Reuters. The outreach marks one of the clearest indications yet that the White House is exploring potential off‑ramps to the conflict behind the scenes.

The source said President Donald Trump directed Vance to privately convey that the United States would be open to a ceasefire if specific U.S. demands were met—chief among them the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway Iran has effectively closed to global shipping.

Apr 01, 2026 at 03:44 PM EDT

Zelensky says Ukraine deepening security ties with Gulf and Middle East

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday that Ukraine is expanding its security cooperation with several Gulf and Middle Eastern nations, describing the region’s instability as a global concern that affects markets, living costs, and technological vulnerabilities.

In a statement on Telegram, Zelensky said Ukraine is already working “substantively” with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, while continuing coordination with Jordan and maintaining communication with Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq.

Apr 01, 2026 at 03:31 PM EDT

Democratic group targets GOP congressman over support for Iran war

A Democratic‑aligned veterans group is launching a new ad campaign attacking Republican Representative Derrick Van Orden over his support for the war in Iran, signaling that Democrats see the conflict—and its economic fallout—as a political vulnerability for the GOP heading into the midterms.

The VoteVets Action Fund, which backs military veterans running for office, is spending $250,000 on ads in Van Orden’s competitive Wisconsin district. The first spot, released Wednesday, contrasts the fighting in the Middle East with rising costs at home. In the ad, a Marine Corps veteran stands at a gas pump and says Americans are “paying the cost every damn day of this war in Iran,” accusing Van Orden of backing expensive military escalation.

The campaign highlights Van Orden’s support for a $200 billion Pentagon funding push tied to the war effort. Though he opposes sending U.S. ground troops into Iran, he has remained a vocal supporter of the broader military campaign. His office blasted the ad, reiterating his stance that Iran has been “at war with the United States for 47 years” and arguing that American lives “are beyond value.”

Polling shows the war is deeply unpopular. More than half of voters oppose military action in Iran, according to the newsletter Silver Bulletin, and a recent Pew Research Center survey found 61 percent of Americans disapprove of President Trump’s handling of the conflict. Trump’s approval rating has slipped to about 39 percent, its lowest point of his second term.

VoteVets says its ads will run across television, radio, digital, and streaming platforms—including during upcoming NCAA basketball games—and that more spots targeting other Republican veterans in Congress are on the way. The group’s move suggests Democrats are preparing to tie the war to rising gas prices and broader economic anxiety as the campaign season intensifies.

Apr 01, 2026 at 03:18 PM EDT

WATCH: Australian PM Albanese warns ‘months ahead may not be easy’ because of Iran war

Apr 01, 2026 at 03:05 PM EDT

Iran dismisses importance of Trump’s upcoming war announcement

A senior Iranian official is downplaying the significance of President Donald Trump’s planned address on the war with Iran, telling CNN that the U.S. leader’s statements are not a reliable indicator of policy or battlefield reality. “This trait reflects an unstable and eccentric personality,” the official said, underscoring Tehran’s view that Trump’s public remarks often diverge from events on the ground.

The comments come amid uncertainty over what Trump will announce in the White House’s promised “update” on the conflict, scheduled for 9 p.m. EST. The president has claimed on social media that Iran’s new leadership requested a ceasefire—an assertion Tehran has repeatedly denied. Trump has said any request would be considered only after the Strait of Hormuz, effectively blocked by Iran, is reopened to global shipping.

In a separate post Tuesday, Trump suggested he was unconcerned about the closure of the vital waterway, urging countries dependent on Gulf energy supplies to “just TAKE IT,” a remark that drew criticism from allies and added to confusion about U.S. strategy.

Apr 01, 2026 at 02:52 PM EDT

Iran says U.S. entered war after Israeli ‘provocation,’ rejects diplomacy

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei accused the United States of being drawn into the war through “miscalculation and provocation” by Israel, according to comments published by IRNA on Wednesday. In an interview with Al‑Masry Al‑Youm, Baghaei said Washington had once again proven that “no one in the world can trust American diplomacy,” arguing that the U.S. uses negotiations only as a pretext for coercion or force.

Baghaei also sought to project stability inside Iran, insisting that the country’s new leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is in “perfect health” and has remained out of public view solely because of the ongoing conflict. He said the Iranian public has no appetite for talks with the United States, accusing Washington of exploiting past diplomatic channels to impose its demands.

He further condemned the strike on the Shajareh Tayyebeh Girls’ School in Minab, which killed at least 170 people, framing it as evidence of what he described as U.S. and Israeli aggression. Baghaei said such attacks have hardened Iranian resolve and reinforced the government’s stance that negotiations with Washington are neither credible nor acceptable at this stage.

Apr 01, 2026 at 02:39 PM EDT

WATCH: Starmer stands by NATO as Trump weighs US exit

Apr 01, 2026 at 02:26 PM EDT

Lebanon death toll climbs as regional casualties mount across Middle East

At least 50 people have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon over the past 24 hours, the country’s health ministry said Wednesday, raising the total number of deaths since March 2 to 1,318. The ministry reported 1,268 fatalities just a day earlier, underscoring the accelerating pace of the bombardment. Authorities say at least 125 children are among the dead.

The surge in casualties comes as thousands across the region have been killed since the war began on February 28, according to figures released by local authorities and compiled by CNN, which notes it cannot independently verify the numbers. The conflict’s human toll now stretches across multiple countries, each absorbing its own share of the violence.

In Iran, the Iranian Red Crescent reports at least 1,900 people killed since the start of the war. Iran’s foreign minister has said the dead include “hundreds” of civilians and more than 200 children. In Iraq, authorities say at least 104 people have been killed nationwide, including 13 in the Kurdistan Region. Inside Israel, officials report 19 civilian deaths, along with 10 soldiers killed in fighting in southern Lebanon. The United States has recorded 13 service members killed since entering the conflict.

Deaths linked to the war have also been reported in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, the occupied West Bank, Oman, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, reflecting how widely the conflict’s instability has spread. As strikes intensify and humanitarian conditions worsen, regional officials warn that the civilian toll is likely to continue rising.

Apr 01, 2026 at 02:13 PM EDT

Experts warn U.S. operation to seize Iran’s uranium would be high-risk and lengthy

Any U.S. military mission to secure Iran’s stockpile of highly enriched uranium would be a dangerous and protracted undertaking, experts say, involving radiation hazards, chemical exposure, and the deployment of up to 1,000 specialized personnel into an active war zone.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly framed the war’s central objective as ensuring Iran “never has a nuclear weapon,” but has not clarified whether he is prepared to order a ground operation to physically seize the material. Analysts note that the risks are so significant that a negotiated handover may be the only viable alternative.

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Iran holds roughly 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of uranium enriched to 60 percent, just a short technical step from weapons‑grade levels of 90 percent. Removing or neutralizing that stockpile under fire would require extensive logistical planning, secure transport routes, and teams trained to handle radioactive material.

Former officials say the mission could take weeks or months and would expose U.S. forces to both battlefield threats and contamination risks. A diplomatic agreement allowing Iran to surrender the material under international supervision, they argue, would avoid those dangers.

With the war still unfolding and Iran continuing to disperse assets, the question of how far Washington is willing to go remains unresolved—and carries enormous implications for regional stability and nuclear security.

Apr 01, 2026 at 02:00 PM EDT

Zelensky says Ukraine expanding security cooperation across Middle East and Gulf

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday that Ukraine is deepening its diplomatic and security engagement with countries across the Middle East and the Gulf, arguing that instability in the region is already reshaping global markets and daily life worldwide.

“The situation in this region has global significance,” Zelenskyy wrote on X, noting that the war has driven up living costs and created new technological and security challenges. “War makes weapons more dangerous. Our goal is greater shared security.”

Zelensky said Ukraine is now in “substantive cooperation” with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, while continuing work with Jordan and maintaining contact with Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq. He added that Rustem Umerov, head of Ukraine’s negotiating team and the National Security and Defense Council, had briefed him on upcoming engagements “beyond the Middle East,” including with Türkiye and other states with “significant potential.”

Zelensky closed his message with a broader appeal for collective defense: “No nation should be left alone in the face of terrorist attacks.”

Apr 01, 2026 at 01:47 PM EDT

U.N. rights chief warns of widespread crackdowns on speech amid Iran war

Volker Türk, the United Nations human rights chief, warned Wednesday that freedom of expression has sharply deteriorated across the Middle East since the start of the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran, with governments imposing sweeping restrictions on dissent and media activity.

In a statement released by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Türk said authorities in multiple countries have “securitized” civic space, using vague national‑security justifications to arrest thousands and suppress peaceful assembly. “Waves of arrests and broad clampdowns… have had a deeply chilling effect on people,” he said.

Türk cited an estimated 2,345 arrests in Iran on national‑security charges since the conflict began, warning that some detainees have been jailed without due process and, in certain cases, executed. “As if the pain and suffering brought on by the war is not enough, some Iranians are being arbitrarily rounded up,” he said.

The statement also highlighted detentions by Israeli authorities, who have arrested hundreds of Palestinians for social‑media posts deemed to show “incitement” or “glorification of the enemy.” Governments in Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Jordan have similarly detained people over communications‑related offenses.

Türk added that attempts to limit media freedom have emerged not only in the region but also in the United States and Israel, underscoring what he described as a broad, conflict‑driven erosion of fundamental rights.

Apr 01, 2026 at 01:33 PM EDT

Netanyahu says U.S.–Israeli strikes have crippled Iran’s nuclear and missile programs

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Tuesday night that joint Israeli and U.S. attacks had “crushed” Iran’s ability to produce nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles, framing the campaign as the removal of “two existential threats” to Israel. His address came just hours before President Donald Trump signaled he may soon wind down the war.

Netanyahu argued that the back‑to‑back conflicts of 2025 and 2026 had fundamentally weakened Iran’s governing system. “Before these two operations, Iran sought to suffocate us,” he said. “Today, we are suffocating them.” He added that the “ayatollah regime” was “weaker than ever” and predicted it was “destined to fall.”

Since the current war began on Feb. 28, U.S. and Israeli forces have struck Iranian missile launchers, production sites, and nuclear‑related facilities. Iran has continued firing missiles at Israel and at U.S.‑aligned states in the Persian Gulf. The U.N. nuclear watchdog reported last year that Iran held roughly 440 kilograms of highly enriched uranium as of June 2025.

Speaking on the eve of Passover, Netanyahu said Israel had delivered “10 plagues” to Iran and its regional proxies, invoking the biblical story of liberation. He listed blows to Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon, the remnants of the Assad regime in Syria, militants in the West Bank, and the Houthis in Yemen, alongside five additional strikes on Iran itself.

Some current and former Israeli officials have questioned Netanyahu’s claim that military pressure could create conditions for Iranians to overthrow their government. But the prime minister insisted the regime had been shaken and that Israel emerged from the conflict “stronger than ever.”

Apr 01, 2026 at 01:20 PM EDT

Trump says other nations should ‘take’ the Strait of Hormuz as global economic risks mount

President Donald Trump escalated his pressure campaign on U.S. allies this week, suggesting that reopening the Strait of Hormuz is a problem other nations should solve without American help. In a social‑media post Tuesday, Trump said the United States produces “plenty” of its own energy and urged countries struggling to secure jet fuel amid Iran’s blockade to “build up some delayed courage” and “just TAKE IT,” adding that the U.S. “won’t be there to help you anymore.”

Hours later, he told CBS News that the U.S. military was “not yet” pulling back from efforts to reopen the waterway but insisted other nations would “have to come in and do their own work.” Early Wednesday, he said he would consider a cease‑fire only once the strait was “open, free, and clear.”

Although the United States imports little oil or gas through Hormuz, economists warn that the global nature of energy markets means any disruption sends shockwaves worldwide. Oil is priced globally, and the month‑long shutdown has already pushed U.S. gasoline prices up 36 percent, averaging more than $4 a gallon, with diesel rising even faster. Europe—already strained by high prices linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine—is also feeling the impact.

The blockade is affecting far more than fuel. Roughly one‑third of the world’s fertilizer supply moves through Hormuz, creating a bottleneck that threatens food security and drives up costs for farmers. Prices for aluminum, sugar, and helium—critical for semiconductor manufacturing—have also surged.

Iran has signaled it may reopen the strait only selectively. “The Strait of Hormuz will certainly reopen, but not for you,” wrote Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliamentary National Security Commission.

Diplomatic efforts are accelerating. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Wednesday that the U.K. foreign secretary will host counterparts from nearly three dozen countries this week to coordinate strategies for keeping the waterway open.

Apr 01, 2026 at 01:07 PM EDT

What NATO is and what to know

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is a political and military alliance created in 1949 to safeguard the freedom and security of its members. Headquartered in Brussels, it has grown to include 32 countries across Europe and North America, all committed to the principle that an attack on one is treated as an attack on all.

At its core is Article 5, the collective‑defense clause that has defined NATO for more than seven decades. It has been invoked only once—after the September 11 attacks—to support the United States.

NATO’s mission has expanded far beyond its original goal of containing the Soviet Union. Today, the alliance focuses on deterrence, crisis management, and cooperative security, including responses to cyberattacks and hybrid threats. Decisions are made by consensus, requiring all members to agree, and each country contributes to the alliance’s budget and capabilities. Members have pledged to spend at least 2% of GDP on defense.

With its mix of political coordination and military power, NATO remains the central pillar of trans‑Atlantic security—shaping how Europe and North America respond to conflicts, emerging threats, and global instability.

Apr 01, 2026 at 12:54 PM EDT

Trump’s NATO threat deepens Alliance anxiety as Iran war reshapes global security

President Donald Trump’s renewed threat to pull the United States out of NATO has plunged the alliance into fresh uncertainty, unsettling partners already strained by Russia’s aggression and the economic shockwaves of the war in Iran. In an interview with The Telegraph, Trump said U.S. membership was now “beyond reconsideration,” calling the alliance a “paper tiger” after European governments refused to join U.S.–Israeli operations or help reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

But despite the rhetoric, Trump cannot unilaterally withdraw. Under U.S. law, leaving NATO requires congressional approval, and the alliance’s treaty mandates a one‑year notice period—constraints that make an immediate exit unlikely.

Still, the threat has rattled allies who rely heavily on American power. The U.S. fields roughly 70,000 troops across Europe, and its nuclear umbrella remains the backbone of NATO’s deterrence posture. Analysts warn that a U.S. departure would embolden Russia, weaken support for Ukraine, and deepen divisions between Western and Eastern members.

European leaders have grown increasingly wary of Trump’s demands, particularly his insistence that allies help force open Hormuz—an operation many view as unlawful and dangerously escalatory. Some, including France’s President Emmanuel Macron, have revived calls for greater European “strategic autonomy” as a hedge against Washington’s unpredictability.

Trump’s frustration appears tied not only to Europe’s refusal to join the Iran war but also to domestic political pressure as soaring energy prices erode his approval ratings. His NATO threat, analysts say, may be aimed at shifting blame onto allies he portrays as disloyal.

Apr 01, 2026 at 12:42 PM EDT

Houthis fire third missile barrage toward Israel as regional fears grow

Iran‑backed Houthi rebels in Yemen said Wednesday they had launched a third round of ballistic missiles toward Israel, claiming they were aimed at unspecified “sensitive” targets. The group had remained on the sidelines of the widening Middle East war until Friday, when it fired its first missiles toward Israel, raising immediate concerns about a broader regional escalation.

The renewed launches have intensified fears that the Houthis could also resume attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, a route they targeted extensively during previous conflicts. Global trade and energy markets are already strained by Iran’s effective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and any disruption in the Red Sea would further destabilize shipping lanes that carry vital fuel and goods.

Apr 01, 2026 at 12:29 PM EDT

Pakistani oil ship reaches Karachi after transit through Hormuz

A Pakistani‑flagged oil vessel arrived in Karachi after successfully transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a rare passage through the waterway since Iran effectively shut it down amid escalating regional conflict, officials said Wednesday. A second ship reached the port via an alternate route, according to Karachi Port Trust spokesperson Shariq Farooqi, who added that more Pakistani vessels are expected later this month to deliver urgently needed fuel from Gulf suppliers.

The development follows Pakistan’s announcement that Iran had agreed to allow 20 additional Pakistani‑flagged ships to pass through the strait—a move Islamabad described as a “constructive gesture” aimed at easing tensions and preventing further economic strain.

Pakistan has positioned itself as a potential mediator in the conflict between the United States and Iran, urging both sides to return to negotiations as the war disrupts global energy flows.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil corridors, remains largely closed to international shipping, making Pakistan’s successful transit a notable exception in an increasingly volatile maritime environment.

Apr 01, 2026 at 12:16 PM EDT

WATCH: Starmer warns Iran war ‘will affect the future’ of the United Kingdom

Apr 01, 2026 at 12:03 PM EDT

UAE rejects claims it would back force to reopen Strait of Hormuz

A senior United Arab Emirates official said Wednesday that any effort to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz must be carried out “in strict adherence to international law,” distancing the country from reports suggesting it might support military action to break Iran’s blockade of the vital waterway.

The official, speaking anonymously, said the strait—through which roughly one‑fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas flows—“must be preserved,” and emphasized that the UAE remains committed to “collective international efforts aimed at safeguarding maritime security.”

The comments came hours after the Wall Street Journal, citing an unnamed Arab source, reported that UAE leaders were prepared to help the United States and other allies reopen the strait “by force” and were lobbying for a U.N. Security Council resolution authorizing such action.

Without naming the report directly, the official told CNN that “recent reporting” implying a shift in the UAE’s position “is misleading,” stressing that the country maintains a defensive posture focused on protecting “its sovereignty, its people, and its infrastructure.”

Apr 01, 2026 at 11:50 AM EDT

Economist warns Asia faces ‘brutal’ impact if Strait of Hormuz stays closed

Asia will shoulder the heaviest economic fallout if the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut, with consequences that will ripple across Europe, energy economist Cornelia Meyer warned on CNN Newsroom on Wednesday. Meyer, CEO of Meyer Resources, said more than 80 percent of the oil, refined products, and liquefied natural gas that pass through the strait are bound for Asian markets.

“You would see very brutal competition between Europe, the U.S., and Asia to secure cargoes,” she said, adding that such a scramble would leave countries like Pakistan and other lower‑income nations “in a lurch.”

Meyer noted that shortages in Asia inevitably spill back into Europe because many refined products originate from crude shipped through Hormuz and processed in Asian refineries. The situation has worsened since QatarEnergy, the world’s largest LNG producer, halted operations earlier in March after its export hub sustained “extensive damage” from Iranian missile strikes. The shutdown has driven up electricity, heating, and fertilizer costs across both continents.

She also cautioned against any military action targeting Kharg Island, Iran’s critical oil export terminal. “If you take out Kharg Island, you take out Iranian oil exports—about 1.5 million barrels a day,” she said. “In the current situation, we need 1.5 million barrels a day.”

Apr 01, 2026 at 11:37 AM EDT

U.S. gas prices see sharpest jump in weeks as Iran war drives historic surge

The average price of U.S. regular gasoline jumped nearly five cents to $4.06 on Wednesday, the largest one‑day increase in more than two weeks, according to AAA. The spike came just a day after prices crossed the $4 threshold for the first time since 2022, ending a week of relatively modest, fractional gains.

Gas prices have now risen $1.08 in a month, a surge steeper than the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 or the sanctions imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine—a period that pushed U.S. gas to a record $5.02 a gallon. The current climb began as markets reacted to the escalating war in Iran, which has disrupted global oil flows and rattled energy futures.

Oil prices dipped in early trading Wednesday after President Donald Trump suggested the conflict could end within two to three weeks. But Iran’s foreign minister countered that the country is preparing for at least six more months of fighting, underscoring the uncertainty driving volatility in global energy markets.

Apr 01, 2026 at 11:24 AM EDT

Australia’s Albanese urges calm as fuel prices surge amid Iran war fallout

In a rare national address, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on Wednesday urged citizens not to panic‑buy or hoard fuel as soaring energy prices ripple through the country. Speaking for just under three and a half minutes—the first such address since the pandemic—Albanese appealed for calm and encouraged Australians to shift to public transport in the coming weeks to preserve fuel supplies for farmers, miners, and tradespeople who rely on their vehicles.

Two Australian states have already announced temporary free public transit to ease pressure on fuel demand.

Albanese sought to reassure the public that Australia is prepared to weather the economic turbulence triggered by the war in Iran, even as the country—now heavily dependent on imported fuel—faces a roughly 40 percent jump in gasoline prices. Farmers, in particular, are struggling with the rising costs.

Without naming the United States, Israel, or Iran, the prime minister warned that “the economic shocks caused by this war will be with us for months,” but urged Australians to “go about your business and your life, as normal.” He encouraged families traveling for Easter to avoid over‑filling their tanks and to “think of others in your community.”

Albanese reiterated plans to cut taxes on gasoline and diesel and to safeguard national fuel reserves.

Apr 01, 2026 at 11:11 AM EDT

Zarif warns Gulf states that ‘security cannot be purchased’ amid regional turmoil

Former Iranian foreign minister Javad Zarif issued a pointed warning to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states on Wednesday, arguing that regional security cannot be outsourced to foreign powers. In a post on X, Zarif—now head of the Payab Research Institute—summarized decades of Gulf security policies and said foreign military bases have repeatedly served as “staging grounds for war,” not stability.

Zarif’s comments come as GCC governments deepen coordination with the United States and other Western partners amid the widening conflict with Iran. He cautioned that such reliance is misguided, writing: “Trump will be gone soon, but Iran will be here forever. Security must be for all.”

Apr 01, 2026 at 11:06 AM EDT

Iran rejects reports of ceasefire proposal

Iran’s foreign ministry on Wednesday denied that Tehran had put forward any ceasefire proposal, with spokesperson Esmail Baghaei Araghchi dismissing reports of a five‑point plan as media “speculation,” according to IRIB, the state broadcaster.

Araghchi said Iran had made no such offer and insisted the conflict would not end until “the aggressor is punished and full compensation is paid to Iran,” signaling that Tehran sees no immediate path toward de‑escalation.

Apr 01, 2026 at 10:58 AM EDT

IOM warns Iran displacement could rise as war pushes families and migrant workers into crisis

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) says roughly 180,000 Iranian families have been displaced by the ongoing war, though the true scale is difficult to measure because Iran lacks the formal tracking systems used in other conflict zones. The agency expects the number to grow as more civilian areas are hit.

IOM Director General Amy Pope told the Associated Press that the destruction of homes, services, and infrastructure is driving a steady rise in internal displacement. She cautioned that the crisis extends beyond Iranian citizens, highlighting the vulnerability of the millions of migrant workers who live and work in the country.

“This is the kind of hidden consequence of a conflict like this,” Pope said. “There are people who are not necessarily accounted for and won’t have the support they need.”

Apr 01, 2026 at 10:45 AM EDT

Gas prices hit $4 nationally as analysts warn crisis fallout could last years

Gas prices in the United States have climbed to a national average of $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022, and energy analysts warn the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict could stretch far beyond the pumps. Speaking on CNN This Morning, Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said the damage to global energy infrastructure is so extensive that recovery could take “months, if not years.”

De Haan said the future of fuel prices hinges almost entirely on the fate of the Strait of Hormuz, the critical shipping corridor Iran has effectively shut down. Any clarity—positive or negative—on whether the strait will reopen is likely to move markets in the coming weeks, he said. But even a ceasefire would not undo the long‑term damage.

He pointed to Qatar’s hit liquefied natural gas capacity, noting that the strike on a single facility has cut production by 17 percent and may take three to five years to fully repair. “This isn’t something you fix by turning a spigot,” he said, warning that Europe, still heavily reliant on Qatari gas, faces a prolonged squeeze.

In the U.S., rising fuel costs are already rippling outward. Gas now averages $4.06, while diesel has surged to $5.47, hitting all‑time highs in several states. De Haan cautioned that diesel spikes will soon push up prices for groceries, shipping, and “all aspects of life.”

Apr 01, 2026 at 10:32 AM EDT

Passover preparations shattered as missile sirens sweep across Israel

At least five rounds of air‑raid sirens echoed across Israel on Wednesday morning, cutting through preparations for Passover, one of the most sacred holidays in the Jewish calendar. The familiar scenes of families burning leavened bread and highways filling with holiday traffic were replaced by smoke, rescue crews, and shattered buildings.

An 11‑year‑old girl was critically injured in Bnei Brak, an ultra‑Orthodox city near Tel Aviv, and dozens more were wounded across central Israel by cluster munitions and falling debris. The attacks come as the war with Iran, now in its fifth week, continues to disrupt daily life and long‑held traditions.

Passover, which commemorates the biblical exodus from Egypt, is typically marked by large family gatherings and the ritual Seder meal. This year, families spent days debating how—and where—to observe the holiday amid sirens and incoming fire. Some moved their Seders to earlier hours, hoping to avoid evening barrages; others stayed home to remain close to safe rooms, following guidance from Israel’s Home Front Command.

Officials warn that Iranian rocket and missile fire is expected to continue throughout the holiday period.

In Jerusalem, the impact is especially stark. Authorities have sharply restricted mass prayers at the Western Wall, limited access to holy sites, and closed parts of the Old City. Only about 50 people will be permitted to attend the traditional priestly blessing on Sunday—an event that normally draws tens of thousands.

Apr 01, 2026 at 10:19 AM EDT

Israel says it killed senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut strike

The Israeli military said Wednesday it had killed Yusuf Ismail Hashem, a senior Hezbollah commander, during an airstrike in Beirut a day earlier. Hashem oversaw the group’s southern front, directing its operations across southern Lebanon, where Israel has intensified its ground and air campaign in recent weeks.

Hashem rose to the position after the 2024 war, succeeding Ali Karaki, who was killed alongside former Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli strike that year. The military did not specify which of several recent attacks on Beirut resulted in Hashem’s death.

One overnight strike in west Beirut killed seven people and wounded 26 others, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

Apr 01, 2026 at 10:06 AM EDT

Macron and Takaichi urge de-escalation in Iran war during Tokyo meeting

The war in Iran dominated talks in Tokyo on Wednesday as French President Emmanuel Macron met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with both leaders emphasizing the urgent need to stabilize the region and protect global trade routes.

Takaichi told reporters that the two leaders reaffirmed the importance of “safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” stressing that the uninterrupted flow of essential goods depends on restoring security in the waterway, which Iran has effectively closed since the conflict began. She said both countries agreed on the need for “early de‑escalation” to prevent further regional and economic fallout.

Macron reiterated his call for a ceasefire and a “return to peace,” maintaining France’s position that diplomatic pressure—not expanded military action—is the only viable path to ending the crisis. His remarks come as European and Asian governments grow increasingly concerned about the global consequences of prolonged instability in the Gulf.

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Apr 01, 2026 at 09:53 AM EDT

Trump threatens NATO withdrawal as Europe scrambles for stability

President Donald Trump escalated his confrontation with Europe on Wednesday, unleashing a new round of attacks on NATO and warning that the United States may walk away from the military alliance that has underpinned European security for eight decades. Furious over what he views as Europe’s refusal to support his war against Iran, Trump told Britain’s Telegraph that NATO had become a “paper tiger” and said he was now “beyond reconsideration” on pulling the U.S. out.

Such a move would upend the continent’s security architecture, leaving European governments without the American military power they have relied on to deter Russia, support Ukraine, and maintain stability across the region. The remarks immediately sent leaders in London, Paris, Berlin, and other capitals into urgent consultations, echoing the alarm that followed Trump’s musings last year about invading Greenland.

Trump’s rhetoric has sharpened as the U.S. and Israel wage an intense campaign against Iran. On Tuesday, he taunted European nations for refusing to join the strikes, urging them to “build up some delayed courage” and “learn how to fight for yourself.” He warned that the U.S. would no longer help protect European‑bound vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has effectively halted oil shipments. “Go get your own oil!” he wrote on social media, singling out France as “VERY UNHELPFUL” and accusing Britain of refusing to participate in the “decapitation of Iran.”

In the Telegraph interview, Trump also derided Prime Minister Keir Starmer, mocking the state of the British military and claiming the U.K. “doesn’t even have a navy.” Starmer, facing pressure to respond, declined to engage directly, saying only that he would act in the “British national interest” and would not be drawn into a war he insists is not Britain’s to fight.

Starmer reiterated that NATO remains “the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen,” but he also hinted at a future in which Europe may need to rely more heavily on itself. He announced plans for a new EU–U.K. summit aimed at rebuilding security and economic ties fractured by Brexit.

Apr 01, 2026 at 09:40 AM EDT

Trump calls NATO a ‘paper tiger’ as rift over Iran war deepens

President Donald Trump intensified his attacks on NATO on Wednesday, calling the alliance a “paper tiger” and suggesting once again that the United States could withdraw over what he views as Europe’s refusal to support his war against Iran. In an interview with the right‑leaning Telegraph newspaper, Trump said he was actively considering pulling the U.S. out of the 75‑year‑old defensive pact, arguing that allies had shown “lackluster” commitment since the conflict began.

Trump’s criticism of NATO has escalated steadily since February 28, when U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran triggered the current regional war. He has repeatedly insisted that the alliance should help secure the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively closed, and has framed European hesitation as a betrayal of shared security obligations.

Over the past month, Trump has used interviews, rallies, and social media posts to berate individual member states—particularly Spain, whose prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, has been one of the most outspoken NATO leaders opposing the war. On March 5, Trump labeled Spain a “loser” and “very hostile to NATO,” warning that the U.S. would no longer act as a “team player” with Madrid.

His rhetoric has grown sharper as allies continue to resist joining U.S. operations. On March 16, he warned NATO faced a “very bad” future if members refused to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. A day later, he declared the U.S. “NEVER DID!” need NATO’s help and said the alliance was making a “very foolish mistake” by staying out of the conflict.

Trump has also contrasted NATO’s stance with that of Japan, which he praised on March 19 for “stepping up to the plate”—“unlike NATO,” he added.

By March 20, he was calling NATO countries “cowards” for not helping to secure the strait. And on March 27, he questioned why the U.S. should continue funding the alliance’s defense if allies “aren’t there for us.” He closed out the month with another broadside on March 31, telling European governments they needed “to start learning how to fight for yourself.”

Apr 01, 2026 at 09:27 AM EDT

IRGC rejects Trump’s ceasefire claim, says Strait of Hormuz will stay shut to U.S.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said Wednesday that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains “firmly and dominantly” under its control, dismissing U.S. pressure and vowing that the waterway “will not be opened to the enemies of this nation.” The statement appeared to be a direct response to President Donald Trump, who earlier claimed that Iran’s president had privately requested a ceasefire.

Trump said he would only consider such a proposal “when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear,” framing U.S. military pressure as the determining factor in any negotiations. Iran’s military leadership, however, portrayed the president’s remarks as bluster, accusing Washington of staging “ridiculous displays” that would have no impact on access to the strategic chokepoint.

Apr 01, 2026 at 09:14 AM EDT

Israel steps up destruction of border towns, alarming residents across southern Lebanon

Israeli forces have begun systematically demolishing homes in several largely abandoned towns near the Lebanon–Israel border, signaling a shift toward clearing entire communities that were heavily damaged during the 2024 war. Although Israel has not managed to seize control of any major population centers, roughly 30 border towns—already hollowed out by previous fighting—are now being targeted for full destruction.

Local reporters described a massive explosion in one such town on Wednesday, later confirmed to be part of the Israeli military’s expanding policy of detonating and leveling structures to prevent residents from returning. Military officials have indicated the demolitions will continue across the border zone.

The strategy has deepened anxiety in Tyre and throughout southern Lebanon, where around 60,000 people once lived but only a fraction remain. Many who stayed through months of bombardment now fear their communities could face the same fate as the emptied border towns. Residents say they are weighing whether to hold out or flee before the situation worsens.

Apr 01, 2026 at 09:01 AM EDT

Trump says Iran has asked the U.S. for a ceasefire

President Donald Trump has said that Iran’s president had asked for a ceasefire in the Iran War in a Truth Social post on Wednesday.

“Iran’s New Regime President, much less Radicalized and far more intelligent than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a CEASEFIRE!” the post said.

“We will consider when Hormuz Strait is open, free, and clear. Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!" Iran did not immediately respond to Trump’s post. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has told Al Jazeera on Tuesday that Iran was willing to keep fighting.

Apr 01, 2026 at 08:45 AM EDT

Israel says it killed Hezbollah commander

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it had killed a Hezbollah commander responsible for the Iranian-backed group’s military activity in southern Lebanon.

The IDF said on social media Yusuf Ismail Hashem died in a strike in Beirut on Tuesday, describing him as a “senior commander with 40+ years of experience” and that he was “a central figure in Hezbollah”. There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah.

It comes as the IDF has escalated its attacks in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah continues to fight an Israeli ground invasion amid a warnings of a growing humanitarian crisis in which over one million people have been displaced.

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Apr 01, 2026 at 08:15 AM EDT

Iran can earn $80 billion a year from Strait of Hormuz tariff says business chief

The head of the Iran-Iraq Joint Chamber of Commerce, Yahya Al-e Es’hagh, has said that tariffs could generate up to $80 billion a year.

As the U.S. tries to reopen the Strait of Hormuz which Iran effectively controls, Tehran is looking to impose a tariff if vessels want to transit through the critical waterway.

Al-e Es’hagh told Iranian Labor News Agency (ILNA) that under international maritime law, Tehran could collect a 10 percent fee for services in the strait, which he said covers 20 percent to 30 percent of global trade. In reporting the remarks, Iran International, an independent outlet noted that the numbers were given as an estimate rather than government policy.

Apr 01, 2026 at 08:00 AM EDT

Iran’s supreme leader vows to back anti-Israeli forces

A message attributed to Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has pledged the continued backing by Tehran of anti-Israeli forces in the Middle East. Khamenei’s statement, like others in recent weeks, was read on state television.

Khamenei also pledged continued support for Hezbollah and its leadership and praised “resistance and steadfastness” against the United States and Israel.

Khamenei has not been seen in public since the start of the war and U.S. and Israeli officials believe he was wounded and remains in hiding.

Apr 01, 2026 at 07:21 AM EDT

South Korea to restrict car use due to Iran War

South Korea has become the latest country to call for its citizens to use public transport amid concerns about global oil supplies caused by the Iran War.

The government in Seoul said that it would introduce a scheme in which public employees can only use their cars every other day.

The government already had required public employees to keep their cars off the road at least one weekday but starting April 8, this scheme will apply to alternate days and will be based on license plate numbers.

It follows Australia’s prime minister Anthony Albanese calling for Australians to use public transport as he warned of the impact of the effective blocking of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran.

Apr 01, 2026 at 06:52 AM EDT

Keir Starmer responds to Trump’s warning of U.S. NATO exit

UK prime minister Keir Starmer has been asked about Donald Trump’s threat to withdraw the U.S. from NATO.

Trump issued the warning in an interview with the Daily Telegraph newspaper, following his repeated criticism of alliance members’ contribution to his war effort in Iran.

During a press conference Wednesday, Starmer said that the UK was “fully committed to NATO” which he called “the single most effective military alliance the world has ever seen. "The impact of this war will affect the future of our country."

"This is not our war, we will not been drawn into the conflict, it is not in our national interest," said Starmer who added that the U.K would host a meeting of about 35 countries this week to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The prime minister also said that the UK's "long-term national interest” meant the need for a closer partnership with allies in Europe and with the European Union.

The comments follow Trump slamming Starmer for not backing the U.S. in the Iran War, as he belittled the British military capabilities. “You don’t even have a navy. You’re too old and had aircraft carriers that didn’t work,” Trump said on Tuesday.

Apr 01, 2026 at 06:14 AM EDT

Trump faces legal obstacle to pulling US out of NATO

President Donald Trump's comments about pulling the U.S. out of NATO form his latest broadside against the alliance, but he faces a legislative obstacle unilaterally enacting such a move.

Angered at what he sees as a lack of help for opening the Strait of Hormuz, Trump told The Telegraph that regarding U.S. membership of the bloc after the Iran War, “I would say [it’s] beyond reconsideration.”

However, legislation passed under the previous Biden administration in December 2023 would prevent any president from withdrawing the United States from NATO without two-thirds approval from the Senate or an Act of Congress.

The measure was led by Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and now Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and was included in the annual National Defense Authorization Act.

However, despite this, legal experts have raised concerns that Trump could try to sidestep Congress’s NATO guardrail by citing presidential authority over foreign policy.

The law is “not airtight,” said Scott Anderson, a Brookings Institution scholar and senior editor of Lawfare told Politico in August 2024 that the law is “not airtight” and Trump could ignore Congress which could force a constitutional court battle.

Curtis Bradley, the Allen M. Singer distinguished service professor at the University of Chicago Law School told the same oulet if Trump said he would pull out of the alliance, it’s unclear whether Congress could sue him for ignoring the law.

Apr 01, 2026 at 05:33 AM EDT

Trump says he is mulling pulling U.S. out of NATO

President Donald Trump has said he is strongly considering pulling the U.S. out of NATO in an interview in which he again condemned the alliance.

Trump told the British newspaper The Telegraph that that the alliance was a “paper tiger” and “beyond recognition.”

His comments follow his criticism about what he perceives as a reluctance from allies for his operations against Iran and for not helping to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

When asked if he would reconsider the U.S’s membership of the alliance after the conflict, Trump replied, “yes, I would say [it’s] beyond reconsideration,” adding, “I was never swayed by NATO.

Legislation passed in 2023 under the administration of President Joe Biden blocking the unilateral withdrawal from NATO by a president without two-thirds Senate approval or an act of Congress.

Apr 01, 2026 at 05:10 AM EDT

Houthis say they fired missiles at Israel

Houthi forces in Yemen have claimed responsibility for a missile attack on southern Israel.

The group backed by Iran said they had undertaken the joint operation with Iran and Hezbollah and threatened further escalation if Israel continues to attack Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, the West Bank and Gaza.

It comes as Gulf states are continuing to face projectile attacks blamed on Iran. In the United Arab Emirates, a Bangladeshi man died from debris from an intercepted drone in the emirate of Fujairah.

A tanker off the coast of Qatar was struck by "two projectiles", according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) Centre. Saudi Arabia said it had intercepted and destroyed two drones. In Kuwait, fuel tanks at its international airport were targeted by drones, according to the country's civil aviation authority.

Apr 01, 2026 at 04:50 AM EDT

Oil price drops after Trump says war will end “very soon”

Oil prices have fallen in early trading Wednesday after Donald Trump teased an imminent end to the Iran War.

A barrel of Brent Crude, the international benchmark, dipped by three percent to just over $100 per barrel following the U.S. president saying that the Iran War would end in “two to three weeks.”

Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist, Wealth Club told Newsweek on Wednesday that crude is still around 50 percent higher than in mid-February before the war. “This signals that skepticism still remains about Trump’s claims of progress, and worries persist about how extraction from the conflict is still set to be complex,” Streeter said “

“Even if the war ends in weeks, the damage wreaked to energy facilities in the region will take years to repair. Iran is also now flexing more control over the Strait of Hormuz, planning tolls on ships, so freight costs will rise even as it reopens.”

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Apr 01, 2026 at 04:30 AM EDT

Australians urged to conserve fuel amid Iran War

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Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called on Australians to use public transport as fuel supply uncertainties caused by the Iran war ripple throughout the world.

In a rare national address on Wednesday, Albanese said that “the months ahead may not be easy” and that people should look to catching the train, bus or tram to work.

The Australian government has said that the country has all the fuel it needs, but panic buying and distribution problems have caused shortages in some regions.

“Australia is not an active participant in this war," Albanese said, "but all Australians are paying higher prices because of it.

“The reality is, the economic shocks caused by this war will be with us for months." he added.

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Apr 01, 2026 at 04:15 AM EDT

USS George H.W. Bush to go to Middle East: reports

The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush has been deployed to the Middle East along with three destroyers, U.S. officials have told media outlets.

The Associated Press was among the outlets reporting that the carrier strike group consisting of more than 6,000 sailors had been deployed Tuesday to join thousands of soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division who have started arriving in the Middle East, the Associated Press reported.

The extra forces come as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth avoided questions about whether or not the U.S. military will deploy ground troops against Iran. “You can’t fight and win a war if you tell your adversary what you are willing to do,” Hegseth told reporters Tuesday.

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Apr 01, 2026 at 04:00 AM EDT

Iran says Strait of Hormuz will not reopen

Despite **Donald Trump’**s rhetoric about ending the war, Iran has ruled out negotiations and insisted that the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen.

“The Strait of Hormuz will never reopen, no negotiations have taken place and none will take place,” said senior Iranian lawmaker Ali Nikzad, quoted by Iran International, an independent news outlet.

He also said that the Islamic Republic would not let go of Trump until it had taken “revenge for the blood” of Muslims around the world.

Earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Tehran had the "necessary will" to put an end to the war if certain requirements were met.

Apr 01, 2026 at 03:45 AM EDT

Trump says Iran “begging to make deal”

President Donald Trump has given a timeline to end the war in Iran as he suggested that Tehran was keen to negotiate and end to the conflict.

The U.S. president told reporters at the Oval Office on Tuesday that the U.S dominated Iranian skies, had destroyed Iran’s Navy and that Tehran was "begging to make a deal" and that he envisaged the war would end in "two to three weeks".

Trump also told reporters that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open, which Iran has effectively closed, will be the responsibility of countries that rely on it, saying “that’s not for us.”

Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary said that Trump will give an address to the U.S. on Wednesday evening which will “provide an important update on Iran”.

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