Crypto Markets React to US–Iran Tensions as Metaplanet Doubles Down on Bitcoin

Crypto Markets React to US–Iran Tensions as Metaplanet Doubles Down on Bitcoin

The global crypto market has once again proven its sensitivity to geopolitical unrest. Over the weekend, tensions flared between the United States and Iran, following reported U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. The move immediately rattled investor sentiment across financial markets — and the crypto sector wasn’t spared.

Bitcoin Briefly Dips Below $100,000 Amid Geopolitical Jitters

Following news of the U.S. airstrikes, Bitcoin dropped sharply, momentarily falling below the psychological $100,000 level. Ethereum and other leading altcoins mirrored this volatility, with total crypto liquidations exceeding $600 million in just 24 hours, according to multiple market trackers.

This reaction highlights the broader trend of Bitcoin behaving as a risk asset in times of global tension — contrary to its original "digital gold" narrative. Traders offloaded positions in anticipation of further uncertainty, triggering stop-loss cascades across leverage-heavy exchanges.

Metaplanet Continues Institutional Accumulation of Bitcoin

While many investors moved to de-risk, some institutional players saw the dip as a strategic buying opportunity. Notably, Metaplanet, a Tokyo-based publicly listed firm, added 1,111 BTC (worth ~$118 million) to its growing treasury, bringing its total holdings to 11,111 BTC.

This move places Metaplanet among the top corporate Bitcoin holders globally, alongside names like MicroStrategy and Marathon Digital. The company has openly declared its ambition to acquire up to 210,000 BTC by 2027, using a combination of equity issuance and bond financing.

Their aggressive Bitcoin strategy reflects a growing institutional belief in BTC as a long-term store of value, especially amid weakening fiat currencies and macroeconomic instability.

Market Sentiment: Fear Meets Conviction

These two storylines — fear from geopolitical events and conviction from institutional buyers — paint a vivid picture of the current crypto climate. On one side, traders are cautious, reacting quickly to international conflict. On the other, long-term investors like Metaplanet continue to accumulate, undeterred by short-term fluctuations.