Trump to announce victory in Iran conflict; tech stocks rebound; SpaceX files for IPO.

Trump to Announce End of Iran Conflict, Shifts Responsibility to NATO

Upcoming Speech Details

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to deliver a prime-time address on Wednesday evening, where he will declare that the month-long conflict with Iran is nearing its conclusion. In the past 24 hours, Trump has consistently communicated this message through interviews and social media, paving the way for a speech that claims all military objectives have been achieved.

Blame on NATO Allies

Trump intends to hold NATO allies accountable for the unresolved issue of Iran's restrictions on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon stated that Trump will effectively announce victory, outlining his achievements in Iran and the actions the U.S. will take before withdrawal, while criticizing NATO allies for the ongoing issues.

Intelligence Assessment on Iran's Negotiation Stance

U.S. intelligence agencies have assessed that Iran currently has no intention of engaging in substantive negotiations to end the conflict, believing it holds a favorable position in the war. Officials noted that Iran is willing to maintain communication but does not trust the U.S. or view Trump's negotiation efforts as sincere.

Military Plans for Iran's Nuclear Material

Reports indicate that the U.S. military has submitted a plan to Trump to seize over 460 kilograms of highly enriched uranium from Iran. This plan involves airlifting excavation equipment and constructing a runway for transporting the nuclear materials. Trump's request for this plan suggests he is considering a highly sensitive and risky special operations mission.

Iranian President's Open Letter to Americans

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi issued an open letter to the American people, stating that Iran harbors no hostility towards other nations, including the U.S. He criticized the U.S. military presence around Iran as a threat and emphasized that Iran's actions are based on legitimate self-defense, not aggression.

Iran's Preparedness for Attacks

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced that the country is prepared to respond to any form of attack, including ground offensives. He emphasized that Iran's military forces are ready for various scenarios and will retaliate against any aggressors.

Revolutionary Guard Claims Control Over Strait of Hormuz

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard stated that it has conducted strikes on multiple targets and maintains "complete control" over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. This statement counters claims from the U.S. and Israel regarding a decrease in Iran's military activity.

U.S. Economic Indicators and Market Reactions

Retail Sales and Employment Data

The U.S. Commerce Department reported a 0.6% increase in retail sales for February, driven by a rebound in auto sales and warmer weather. Additionally, the ADP reported an increase of 62,000 jobs in the private sector for March, surpassing expectations.

Market Response to Trump's Speech

U.S. stock indices rose collectively as Trump hinted at a resolution to the Middle East conflict. The Dow Jones gained 224.35 points, while the Nasdaq and S&P 500 also saw significant increases.

Notable Stock Movements

• Major tech stocks like Google, Tesla, and Meta saw gains.
• Chinese stocks such as Li Auto and NIO also experienced upward movement.

Other Key Developments

SpaceX IPO Filing

Elon Musk's SpaceX has reportedly submitted a confidential IPO application, potentially aiming for a valuation of $1.75 trillion.

New Drug Approval for Eli Lilly

Eli Lilly announced that its GLP-1 oral weight loss drug has been approved by the FDA, marking a significant milestone for the company.

Stellantis Negotiations for EV Production in Canada

Stellantis is in talks with Chinese partner Leap Motor to produce electric vehicles in Canada, indicating a shift in the automotive industry landscape.

Amazon's Satellite Acquisition Talks

Amazon is negotiating to acquire satellite company Globalstar, aiming to enhance its low Earth orbit satellite business.

Intel's Stock Buyback

Intel announced a $14.2 billion buyback of its Irish chip plant shares, regaining full control of a key manufacturing asset.