Bitcoin dropped 3.8% to $63,038 and Ethereum fell 9% following coordinated US-Israel military strikes on Iran's nuclear and military facilities. Over 152,000 crypto traders were liquidated totaling $515 million as digital assets absorbed weekend panic selling while traditional markets remained closed.
Iran launched missile and drone attacks targeting Israel, U.S. military bases, and Gulf allies across the Middle East, with explosions reported in Dubai, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The escalating geopolitical tensions are creating additional downside pressure on Bitcoin and cryptocurrency markets.
Bitcoin dropped near $63,000 following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, continuing a pattern where the cryptocurrency sells off during geopolitical shocks before recovering. The selloff occurs due to bitcoin's 24/7 liquidity making it one of the few large assets traders can exit during weekends when traditional markets are closed.
The FBI has designated Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention on February 27, citing cases including Robert A. Levinson, a retired FBI special agent. This escalates tensions between the US and Iran, potentially increasing geopolitical risks that could impact global markets.