NPR News: 04-01-2026 6AM EDT

President Trump announced the US could end its military offensive in Iran within two to three weeks, prompting a White House-scheduled televised address tonight. The update follows his reversal yesterday on demands for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, dropping prior threats to "completely obliterate" Iran's civilian electric plants, oil wells, and desalinization plants. Trump stated the US will soon leave the conflict, leaving other countries to "fend for themselves" on oil transit through the strait. With US gas prices surpassing four dollars a gallon, the shift signals eagerness to exit the war despite unresolved issues.

Iran Shift and NATO Comments

Trump's pivot away from escalation aims to de-escalate amid domestic pressures from high fuel costs disrupting the economy. Previously, the standoff had closed the strait, spiking oil prices and rattling global markets. The president framed the withdrawal as the US disengaging entirely, with no further involvement in regional oil flows. Separately, Trump indicated he is considering US withdrawal from NATO, labeling the alliance a "paper tiger." This comes as investors react positively to de-escalation signals, with major stock indexes closing up over 2.5 percent yesterday.

Market Reactions to Iran War