President Trump Addresses the Nation on Iran Conflict

On April 2, 2026, President Donald Trump addressed the nation regarding the ongoing conflict in Iran. He stated that U.S. forces are nearing completion of their “core strategic objectives” and will continue to exert pressure on Iran.

“We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks,” Trump said. He further asserted the U.S. would “bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong.”

Limited New Details in Address

The address, lasting just under 20 minutes, largely reiterated previously stated positions. President Trump did not provide updates on potential negotiations with Iran or mention a previously announced April 6 deadline for Iran to reopen a critical waterway.

He also made no mention of deploying U.S. ground troops or seeking assistance from NATO in securing the Strait of Hormuz. The speech appeared unlikely to significantly shift public opinion, with polls indicating concerns about the extent of U.S. military involvement.

Following the President’s remarks, oil prices rose by more than 4%, and Asian stock markets experienced declines.

San Marcos House Fire Victims Identified

Austin Couple Confirmed as Fatalities

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Homicide Unit has identified the victims of a suspicious house fire in San Marcos as Michael Austin, 73, and his wife, Kathryn Austin, 72.

Deputies responded to a residential fire on Lacebark Street at approximately 11:45 p.m. on Saturday. Firefighters discovered the couple deceased inside a second-floor room.

Arson Suspect in Custody

Luis Alvarado, 33, of San Marcos, has been taken into custody on suspicion of two counts of murder and arson. He is currently booked into the San Diego Central Jail.

The Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Unit is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the fire’s origin. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Unit at 858-285-6330 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.