04-01-2026 - Iran Says No to Talks — Trump Prepares to Address the Nation

In week five of the war following the killing of Ali Khamenei, U.S. and Israeli forces have carried out sustained airstrikes on Iran’s military and industrial infrastructure while Iran retaliates with missile and drone attacks across the region, intensifying a partial blockade of the Strait of Hormuz that has triggered major global energy disruptions. Despite backchannel diplomacy involving China and Pakistan around a ceasefire-for-reopening deal, U.S. intelligence assesses Iran is not currently willing to negotiate. President Donald Trump has signaled operations could end within weeks while also threatening escalation and considering high-risk military options. Meanwhile, President Trump prepares to address the nation.