Israel-Iran Airstrikes Sends Crypto Markets into Freefall

TLDR

Israel launched airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, escalating Middle East tensions and causing global market selloffs Bitcoin dropped 3.3% to $104,280 while Ethereum fell 9% to $2,500, with most major cryptocurrencies posting losses Over $1.14 billion in crypto liquidations occurred in 24 hours as traders exited risk assets A Bitcoin whale deposited 1,000 BTC worth $106 million to Binance, indicating profit-taking during the market panic Total crypto market cap fell 6.4% to $3.36 trillion as investors moved to safe haven assets like gold and USD

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The cryptocurrency market fell sharply on June 13, 2025, as geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran sparked a flight to safety among investors. Major digital assets posted widespread losses as traders moved away from risk assets.

Bitcoin dropped 3.3% to $104,280 while Ethereum suffered larger losses, falling 9% to $2,500. Other major cryptocurrencies also declined, with Solana down 10% to $143.90 and Dogecoin falling 9.28% to $0.173.

Source: Coinmarketcap

The selloff began after Israel launched airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile infrastructure overnight. Iran responded with threats of retaliation against both Israel and the United States, though it stated that no damage occurred to key refineries.

Reports confirmed that the attacks resulted in the death of a senior commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. The escalation raised fears of broader regional conflict in the Middle East.

The United States clarified it was not involved in the Israeli operation but warned Iran against targeting American assets. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that protecting U.S. forces remained a top priority and that the administration was monitoring threats closely.

Statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio

“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region. Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its… pic.twitter.com/5FFesh3dkF

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) June 13, 2025

Mass Liquidations Hit Trading Platforms

The market turbulence triggered over $1.14 billion in crypto liquidations within 24 hours. These forced sales occurred as token values declined rapidly, particularly affecting leverage-heavy trading positions.

Source: Coinglass

Global markets showed a clear risk-off sentiment as investors moved funds into traditional safe haven assets. Crude oil and gold prices surged while stocks and cryptocurrencies dropped on concerns about regional conflict.

On-chain data revealed that a major Bitcoin whale deposited 1,000 BTC worth over $106 million to Binance exchange. The wallet had originally acquired Bitcoin at an average price of $18,665, suggesting profit-taking during the market panic.

This large deposit aligned with broader selling pressure across the market. The timing contributed to the overall decline in Bitcoin prices as supply increased on exchanges.

XRP fell 6% to $2.11 while BNB dropped 2.66% to $648. TRON showed more resilience, declining only 0.96% to $0.272 compared to other major tokens.

Market Sentiment Remains Cautious

The total cryptocurrency market capitalization fell 6.4% to $3.36 trillion during the 24-hour period. Most assets displayed red indicators on market tracking platforms, showing the broad-based nature of the decline.

Source: Coingecko

Cryptocurrency markets have historically shown sensitivity to geopolitical uncertainty and global risk sentiment. The current drop reflects this pattern as investors seek safer instruments during times of international tension.

Market participants are now watching for further developments in the Middle East situation. Traders are also looking for signs of market stabilization as political risks continue to influence sentiment.

The crypto market downturn coincided with similar movements in traditional financial markets. This correlation demonstrates how digital assets often move alongside other risk assets during periods of global uncertainty.

At press time, Bitcoin continues trading around $104,000 while Ethereum tests support at the $2,500 level. Market observers are monitoring whether current price levels will hold or if further declines may occur based on geopolitical developments.

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