Trump to Address Nation on 'Important Update' to Iran War

The president's speech comes as the conflict enters its fifth week with questions over its aims and future.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:57pm

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President Donald Trump will address the nation on Wednesday night to provide an 'important update' on the ongoing war with Iran, which has now entered its fifth week. The speech comes as the administration faces questions over the war's objectives and its potential timeline for resolution.

Why it matters

The president's address will likely provide insight into the current state of the conflict, the administration's strategy, and any potential diplomatic efforts to end the hostilities. As the war continues, there are growing concerns over its economic impact, including surging oil and gas prices that have hit consumers hard.

The details

Trump has touted the success of U.S. operations, claiming the destruction of Iran's military capabilities and 'regime change' with the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other political leaders. However, Iran is still launching regular missile and drone strikes on neighboring countries. The administration has also faced questions about the economic toll, with gas prices up over 30% since the war began.

  • The president's address is set for 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 2, 2026.
  • The U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran began on February 28, 2026, marking the start of the 'major combat operations'.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who ordered the military strikes on Iran and will address the nation on the conflict.

Karoline Leavitt

The White House press secretary who announced the president's upcoming address.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf

The current Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, a former IRGC commander with ties to the military and the new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Mojtaba Khamenei

The new Supreme Leader of Iran, succeeding his father Ali Khamenei who was killed in February.

Masoud Pezeshkian

The President of Iran, who indicated a willingness to end the conflict if certain conditions were met.

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What they’re saying

“We have complete regime change now in Iran.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“When we feel that they are for a long period of time put into the stone ages and they won't be able to come up with a nuclear weapon, then we'll leave. Whether we have a deal or not, it's irrelevant.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“We do not have any faith that negotiations with the U.S. will yield any results. The trust level is at zero.”

— Mohammad Javad Araghchi, Iranian Foreign Minister

What’s next

The president's address on Wednesday night is expected to provide more clarity on the administration's strategy and any potential diplomatic efforts to end the conflict with Iran.

The takeaway

The ongoing war with Iran has raised significant questions about its objectives, timeline, and economic impact, with the president's upcoming address seen as a crucial update on the administration's approach to the conflict.