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đź“…April 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Global markets tumble and oil surges past $107 as Trump vows escalated Iran strikes amid Strait of Hormuz blockade; Artemis II launches historic moon mission; major Indonesia quake.
1

Trump Delivers Primetime Speech on Iran War, Vows Further Strikes

President Trump addressed the nation, claiming 'tremendous progress' in the Iran war but warning of escalated strikes in the coming weeks, rattling markets and sending oil prices above $107 per barrel.Source 1Source 5Source 7 Economists warn of recession risks from high gas prices and inflation if the conflict worsens.Source 1 Wall Street reacted negatively, with S&P 500 futures sliding.Source 5

2

Strait of Hormuz Blockade Causes Massive Shipping Jam

Around 400 cargo ships and oil tankers are stranded waiting for Iran's permission to cross the Strait of Hormuz, near Iranian islands like Larak and Hormuz.Source 1Source 3 Trump stated it's up to other countries to keep the strait open, amid fuel shortages and aviation disruptions.Source 3Source 4 This chokepoint disruption exacerbates global oil supply fears.Source 5

3

Global Markets Plunge as Oil Hits $107 on Iran Escalation

Asian markets like South Korea's KOSPI fell 4.47% and Japan's Nikkei 2.38%, while European indices also declined amid surging oil prices.Source 5Source 6 Trump's speech reversed early stock gains, with airlines hiking fares due to jet fuel shortages.Source 3Source 7 Goldman Sachs notes fears of fertilizer shortages from the conflict.Source 7

4

NASA Launches Artemis II Crewed Moon Mission

The Artemis II rocket successfully launched, with astronauts reaching orbit for a historic 10-day journey around the moon, the first crewed mission in 50 years.Source 2Source 3Source 4 The crew began their lunar voyage after a safe orbit insertion.Source 3Source 6 This marks a major milestone in NASA's return-to-moon program.Source 7

5

Powerful 7.4 Earthquake Strikes Indonesia’s Molucca Sea

A 7.4 magnitude quake hit Indonesia’s Molucca Sea, prompting a tsunami alert that has since been lifted.Source 2 No immediate casualty details reported, but the event underscores regional seismic risks.Source 2

6

Trump Considers Firing Attorney General Pam Bondi

President Trump has discussed replacing AG Pam Bondi over frustrations with Justice Department leadership and Epstein files handling, eyeing EPA's Lee Zeldin as successor.Source 1 Sources familiar with deliberations spoke anonymously.Source 1

7

Top Court Doubts Trump's Birthright Citizenship Limits

The U.S. Supreme Court cast doubt on Trump's efforts to restrict birthright citizenship, signaling potential legal setbacks.Source 2 This comes amid broader immigration policy debates.Source 2

8

Trump Mulls U.S. Exit from NATO, Calls It 'Paper Tiger'

Trump signaled frustration, considering pulling the U.S. out of NATO and urging allies to secure their own oil amid Iran tensions.Source 2Source 3 NATO worries about the alliance being weakened.Source 4 EU urges de-escalation.Source 2

9

Fuel Shortages Spark Queues in Johannesburg

Long lines form at petrol stations in Johannesburg due to global fuel shortages from the Iran war and Strait disruptions.Source 2 Airlines worldwide face jet fuel issues.Source 3Source 4

10

Chinese Scientists Unveil Glowing 'Avatar-Like' Plants

Innovative glowing plants that could light cities without electricity were revealed by Chinese scientists.Source 2 This biotech breakthrough offers potential for sustainable urban lighting.Source 2

11

Lebanon Fears Long-Term Israeli Occupation

Amid attacks on Hezbollah, Lebanon worries about prolonged Israeli presence.Source 3 Canada's Carney condemned Israel’s 'illegal invasion'.Source 3 Middle East tensions fuel global concerns.Source 3

12

Elon Musk Secretly Files Record-Breaking IPO

Elon Musk has confidentially filed what could be the largest IPO ever, drawing market attention amid volatility.Source 5 Details remain limited as filing is secret.Source 5