NPR News: 04-01-2026 3AM EDT

President Trump plans to address the nation tonight with an update on the Iran War, as gas prices climb amid the conflict's disruptions.

Iran War Update and Gas Price Surge

The White House announced President Trump's national address for this evening, focusing on developments in the Iran War. Nationally, regular gas now averages more than four dollars per gallon—a few cents higher than last week but over a dollar more than a month ago, before the war started. Broadcasters noted the psychological impact of seeing "four" on prominent gas station signs, a level not seen in over three years. Brent crude oil prices have eased slightly but stay above $100 per barrel, reflecting ongoing market strain from the conflict.

Russian Oil Reaches Cuba

A Russian tanker docked in Cuba's Matanzas port, delivering 730,000 barrels of oil—the first such shipment in three months. Fishermen and locals watched as it arrived under early morning sun, cheering the energy lifeline amid the island's long power blackouts and shortages of food and medicine. Despite the U.S. blockade, the Trump administration permitted the tanker to proceed; Trump called it "no problem" and said Cuba "has to survive." Analysts estimate the shipment provides enough diesel to power the country for nine or ten days, leaving uncertainty about future supplies.