Bitcoin Recovers Slightly as Trump Extends Pause on Iran Strikes Amid Market Turmoil
March 26, 2026 — After a turbulent day across global markets, Bitcoin (BTC) managed to claw back some of its losses following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement extending a pause on American strikes against Iran’s energy infrastructure. The move helped to steady prices after a notable decline throughout Thursday, triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Market Dive Amid Middle East Conflict
Thursday proved challenging for investors worldwide, with the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East sending oil prices sharply higher and U.S. Treasury bond yields surging. Bitcoin fell over 3% earlier in the day, retreating alongside a 2.4% drop in the Nasdaq, which has now retraced roughly 10% from its January peak. The conflict has not only impacted commodities but also triggered significant selloffs in Western bond markets, a factor intensifying financial market volatility.
The yield on the U.S. 10-year Treasury note climbed to a one-year high at 4.43% before settling slightly lower at 4.41%, reflecting rising concerns about inflation and expectations for future Federal Reserve interest rate hikes rather than cuts. Similar bond market dynamics were seen across Western Europe, compounding global financial uncertainty.
Trump’s Announcement Provides Relief
In a Truth Social post, President Trump declared that he would extend the pause on attacks targeting Iran’s energy sector by an additional 10 days, crediting ongoing diplomatic talks for the decision:
"As per Iranian Government request… I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days," Trump wrote, adding "the talks are ongoing and they are going very well."
This development sent Bitcoin prices rebounding by about 1% from their session lows, trading just above $69,000 in late trading. Other major cryptocurrencies—Ethereum (ETH), XRP, Solana (SOL), and Cardano (ADA)—also recovered from early losses, though they remained down between 3% and 5% over the previous 24 hours.
Broader Crypto and Market Context
The reprieve comes amid a broader backdrop of macroeconomic risks and geopolitical tensions influencing crypto markets. Rising Treasury yields and a stronger U.S. dollar continue to pressure risk assets, including cryptocurrencies and crypto-related equities. Over $50 million in long-position liquidations occurred in Bitcoin alone within a short stretch, reflecting heightened selling pressure.
Despite recent setbacks, Bitcoin remains resilient relative to traditional financial instruments, with investors closely watching geopolitical developments for further cues. Meanwhile, institutional interest in regulated stablecoins and crypto infrastructure persists, signaling maturation in the digital asset space even amid market volatility.
Outlook
While President Trump’s extension of the strike pause calmed nerves temporarily, the underlying geopolitical risks remain. Market participants continue to monitor oil prices, bond yields, and central bank policies closely, all of which heavily influence crypto market trajectories.
As of the latest trading, Bitcoin hovers near $69,000, with the broader cryptocurrency market treading cautiously amid uncertain times. Investors and analysts alike remain attentive to upcoming diplomatic talks and geopolitical developments that could impact market stability in the near term.
Reported by Krisztian Sandor and edited by Stephen Alpher for CoinDesk