A wave of shock swept through the cryptocurrency market, with Bitcoin plunging on Saturday evening after news broke of a successful U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear sites, as confirmed by President Trump.

As reported on Friday, journalist Seymour Hersh mentioned that Trump would conduct airstrikes over the weekend to avert a stock market downturn. The cryptocurrency market, being a 24/7 operation, was not unaffected by these developments.

Bitcoin, typically sensitive to geopolitical instability, fell to a low of $100,945 before recovering slightly to close the night at $102,350. During this chaotic period, the entire cryptocurrency market suffered a loss of $40 billion over the span of just three hours.

Timeline of Events and the Bitcoin Price Reaction

Trump tweeted at 7:50 p.m., saying, “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.… Congratulations to our great American Warriors.”

This announcement coincided with Bitcoin’s immediate drop.

By 7:53 p.m. EST, Bitcoin’s value decreased to $100,945, sharply reacting to the airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. However, by 9 p.m. EST, BTC had regained value, rising to $102,350, despite ongoing tensions and the threat of more strikes from the U.S.

Geopolitical Risks and Potential Fallout: Is This WW3?

Conflicting reports suggest that the airstrikes were a deliberate show of strength aimed at reducing casualties, while there are fears of Iranian retaliation against U.S. military bases and possibly even inside the U.S.

The subsequent market reaction was swift, causing a loss of $40 billion in value. Major altcoins such as Ethereum and Solana experienced more significant declines compared to Bitcoin itself, indicating the broader impact of the geopolitical turmoil.

A Cautious Path Forward For The Bitcoin Price

Trump addressed the nation at 10:00 EST, leaving uncertainty regarding future military actions. This has left investors on edge, anticipating the next round of news and developments.

In light of these tensions, there is a growing concern that more significant international players could be drawn into this conflict, which remains a pressing threat in the current environment.

Key Takeaways

• Bitcoin’s price saw a sharp decline due to the geopolitical tensions
• Concerns about a potential broadening conflict loom large.