Transcript
A (0:00)
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. President Trump is expected to address the nation about the Iran war tonight at 9 Eastern. The conflict launched by the U.S. and Israel is in its fifth week. Thousands of U.S. troops are stationed in the region. Trump says the Iranian regime is relenting, but Iran says it isn't. NPR's Deepa Shivaram reports.
B (0:21)
On social media, Trump said Iran's new leader asked the U.S. for a ceasefire. The president said he would consider if the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for oil, was opened. Until then, Trump said the US Would continue its attacks on Iran. But Iran's Foreign ministry called Trump's comments saying that Iran asked for a ceasefire, quote, false and baseless. Trump has said the war, which has gone on for a month, should end in the next two to three weeks. Deepa Shivaram, NPR News. The White House.
A (0:49)
Wall Street's relief rally continued for a second day as investors hope that President Trump will soon end the war in Iran. As NPR's Maria Aspen reports, the Dow closed up near half a percent. The S&P 500 rose nearly 3/4 of a percent, and the Nasdaq jumped more than 1%.
C (1:05)
Some investors are calling it a Hormuz hope rally after the crucial waterway that handles a fifth of global oil. The war has sparked a global energy crisis, sending gas prices soaring and raising investor fears about wider inflation. US Stocks are still down since the start of the war, but investors are starting April with more optimism. Tech stocks in particular have been under pressure, and the tech heavy Nasdaq has been leading this week's rebound. But the prospect of peace in the Middle east didn't reassure all investors. Shares in ExxonMobil, Chevron and other energy companies sold off as most of Wall street hopes for lower oil prices. Maria Aspen, NPR News.
A (1:51)
Republican congressional leaders say they have a path to fund the Department of Homeland Security and end the government shutdown of the agency. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune said in a joint statement that the solution would move forward in the coming days. The crew of NASA's Artemis 2 is suited up and at the launch pad at the Kennedy Space center in Florida ahead of a mission that will take them around the moon and back. Central Florida Public Media's Brendan Byrne is there.
D (2:16)
It's been a smooth countdown so far. NASA's massive SLS rocket was fueled up with super cold liquid hydrogen and oxygen earlier today without any issues. The team continues to monitor the rocket, the Orion spacecraft and weather at Kennedy Space Center. Once launched, this mission will take the crew of four to Earth orbit before heading on a flight path that will take them around the moon and back. It's the first time the Orion space caps was carrying a crew and the first time humans will return to the moon in more than 50 years. The nearly 10 day mission will end with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. For NPR News, I'm Brendan Byrne at the Kennedy Space Center.