Bitcoin Drops 1.5% to $100,945 After U.S. Airstrike on Iran

Bitcoin experienced a significant dip following the U.S. airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities, which sparked widespread market turmoil. The airstrike, confirmed by U.S. President Donald Trump, targeted three key Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. The operation, described as "very successful," involved precision airstrikes and resulted in all aircraft safely exiting Iranian airspace. This announcement triggered immediate volatility in global financial markets, with Bitcoin's price plummeting to approximately $100,945, erasing over $40 billion in overall crypto market capitalization. The sell-off coincided with a sharp rise in oil prices and growing investor fears of broader regional instability.

The airstrike, which reportedly involved B-2 bombers and precision-guided munitions, marked the most direct U.S. military engagement in Iran in years. The attack was part of a broader strategic move known internally as Operation Midnight Hammer, coordinated with intelligence assets and targeting underground enrichment facilities. While officials emphasized the defensive nature of the operation, the market interpreted the escalation as a potential trigger for broader instability. Bitcoin, often seen as both a speculative asset and an inflation hedge, is particularly sensitive to such geopolitical shocks.

Following the announcement, major cryptocurrencies, including Ethereum, Solana, and XRP, posted double-digit liquidation events as leveraged traders rushed to exit positions. Despite the sharp initial drop, Bitcoin rebounded late Saturday night, recovering above $102,000. As of the latest reports, the asset is trading near $102,350. Market experts attributed the quick recovery to the crypto market’s 24/7 nature, which enables continuous pricing and faster response to global developments. They also noted that while the drawdown was severe in dollar terms, the percentage shift—roughly 1.5%—remains within expected volatility ranges during geopolitical crises.

The airstrike comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, following Iran’s military support for regional allies in recent weeks. Analysts now warn that further geopolitical fallout could introduce higher volatility across digital assets, especially if retaliatory action or regional conflict expands. For now, the market is watching closely as the situation develops. The strategic implications of the airstrike and the subsequent market reaction highlight the sensitivity of digital assets to geopolitical events, underscoring the need for investors to remain vigilant in the face of potential volatility.