NPR News: 04-02-2026 1AM EDT

President Trump's first formal address since launching the war with Iran emphasized a quick resolution, stating the U.S. mission would conclude within weeks. The NPR News Now episode covers this update alongside oil market reactions, Supreme Court arguments, policy shifts, a space launch, a court ruling on a national monument, and a cold case development—mixing international tensions with domestic and scientific news.

Iran War Address and Strait Security

In his speech, Trump repeated claims that Iran's military stands "decimated both militarily and economically and every other way," promising additional bombing but not signaling an imminent major ground operation despite thousands of extra U.S. troops deployed or en route to the region. He urged countries relying on oil through the Strait of Hormuz to secure the passage themselves. A virtual meeting of 35 nations convenes Thursday to address Hormuz trade disruptions. Oil markets reacted sharply: Brent crude rose over six percent post-address, trading above $107 per barrel, reflecting concerns over the strait, a key global chokepoint handling much of the world's oil shipments.