Bloomberg News Now March 31, 2026: Trump on Iran Withdrawal Timeline, Stocks Jump, More
Apr 1, 2026
Markets rally on hopes for a quick U.S.-Iran de-escalation and plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Discussion of Trump predicting a short withdrawal timeline and a judge pausing a White House ballroom build. Supreme Court decision on conversion therapy and reactions to it. Big tech news with OpenAI’s huge funding round and Nike’s mixed earnings amid China weakness.
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Markets Rally On Hopes For Iran Deescalation
- Stock markets rallied sharply as traders priced a possible de-escalation between the U.S. and Iran, driving the S&P 500 up nearly 3% and the Nasdaq 3.8%.
- Doug Krizner linked the rally to speculation that both sides may seek a way out and analysts warning recovery depends on duration and energy infrastructure damage.
Trump Sets Short Iran Withdrawal Timeline
- President Trump said the U.S. could end the war in Iran within two to three weeks and suggested other nations could secure the Strait of Hormuz.
- The UAE is reportedly preparing to help open the strait and lobbying for a U.N. resolution to authorize force.
Journalist Kidnapping Highlights Militia Risk
- Iraqi security forces pursued kidnappers of freelance journalist Shelley Kittleson; a U.S. official blamed the Iran-backed militia Kata'ib Hezbollah.
- The incident underscores regional militia risk amid the wider Iran conflict.