From CNN, I'm Afamadiki, with the five things you need to know for Tuesday, March 31st.

U.S. stocks rallied sharply to close out one of the roughest months and quarters in years,

with the Dow rising by 1,125 points.

The rebound came after reports and comments from the Trump administration about potentially ending the war soon,

without a resolution in the Strait of Fremuz,

which Iran has essentially shut down.

A report that Iran's president had issued a statement

that Tehran is ready to end the war

in exchange for security guarantees sent stocks higher

around midday.

CNN could not immediately confirm the reports,

but Iranian state media later confirmed it.

Nationwide, average gas prices hit $4.2 a gallon for the first time since 2022,

but the White House argued prices will, quote, plummet once the war is over.

President Donald Trump took to social media to again criticize European countries for not

stepping up more in the war

and the efforts to reopen the strait. Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command says a U.S.

warship carrying around 1,800 Marines is in the Indian Ocean, as speculation increases over

a possible U.S. ground operation. Here's Defense Secretary Pete Hexeth earlier today addressing

the possibility. The point is to be unpredictable in that, certainly not let anybody know what you're willing to do or not do.

More news coming up, including a First Amendment victory and a warning to moms and babies.

This episode is brought to you by Vanta. Security and compliance done wrong is a headache.

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