US and Iran Pause Strikes as Crypto Markets Await Monday Reopening
Key Takeaways
- •The U.S. paused airstrikes on Friday after nearly two weeks of escalating attacks, while Iran said it had halted retaliatory operations against Gulf states and U.S. interests in the region.
- •Bitcoin rose 0.7% over 24 hours to trade near $64,463 on Sunday, and the total cryptocurrency market capitalization increased 0.84% to $2.29 trillion.
- •The halt in strikes remains a pause rather than a formal ceasefire, and CENTCOM confirmed that the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports is still in effect.
- •Brent crude dropped about 4% on Friday to roughly $96.7 after closing above $100 on Thursday for the first time since May.
- •Monday’s traditional market reopen will show how traders price three days of geopolitical developments, with oil closely watched due to its impact on inflation expectations and risk appetite.
The United States and Iran have both halted strikes after 13 consecutive nights of American bombing, leaving cryptocurrency markets as the main liquid venue reflecting the weekend pause before oil and equity trading resumes.
Bitcoin (BTC) traded near $64,463 on Sunday, rising 0.7% over the previous 24 hours. The 10 largest digital assets also posted modest gains. Oil and equity markets had already closed before the strikes stopped, limiting the immediate market reaction outside crypto.
US and Iran Halt Strikes
AP reported that the US paused its airstrikes on Friday after nearly two weeks of escalating attacks. A US Department of Defense source also told CNN that operations were on hold.
Iran has said it would halt strikes on Gulf states and US interests in the region. Army spokesman Amir Akraminia confirmed the move on Sunday.
“Our strategy has essentially been retaliatory, we have also halted our retaliatory operations,” Akraminia said.
The New York Times reported that Trump shelved plans for a broader campaign because of dwindling US air defense supplies. CNN reported that Gen. Dan Caine had raised concerns about munitions stockpiles.
Despite the de-escalation, the situation remains a pause rather than a formal ceasefire. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in place.
The U.S. naval blockade against Iran remains in full effect. As of July 25, CENTCOM has redirected 12 commercial vessels trying to run the blockade, disabled 2 that didn't comply, and boarded 2 to ensure total compliance. Earlier today, U.S. forces completed a verification… pic.twitter.com/eyp1N2B9sO — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 25, 2026
Why Monday’s Asian Open Matters
Brent crude fell about 4% on Friday to roughly $96.7. The benchmark had closed above $100 on Thursday for the first time since May.
With oil and equity markets shut over the weekend, crypto markets absorbed the latest headlines first. Total cryptocurrency market capitalization reached $2.29 trillion on Sunday, up 0.84% over 24 hours. Because major digital assets trade continuously across weekends, they often provide an early read on risk sentiment when traditional venues are closed, though Monday’s reopening will show whether that reaction carries into larger oil, currency, and equity markets.
Trading in traditional markets resumes on Monday, when the first prices will reflect three days of geopolitical developments. Oil prices are expected to be closely watched because crude can influence inflation expectations, which in turn affect Federal Reserve policy and broader risk appetite.
Analysts cautioned against drawing firm conclusions from a short pause. Michael Singh of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy told AP that the duration of the halt is the key factor.
“If it turns into a multiday pause, that’ll be something significant,” he said.
Houthi attacks in the Red Sea remain another source of pressure on crude markets. The June ceasefire has not returned, and traffic through the strait remains halted. Monday’s crude open will indicate whether traders view the US-Iran pause as durable or merely an operational gap.
