Crypto World
South Korea’s $40B Leverage Bet on U.S. Tech Is Flashing Red
TLDR:
- Korean retail poured $40B into U.S. leveraged ETFs in 2025, with $7B flowing in December alone.
- South Korean regulators imposed training rules to limit retail access to 2x and 3x offshore ETFs.
- The KOSPI has rallied 177% over the past year, driven largely by semiconductor stocks.
- Volatility is rising at market highs, signaling stretched positioning through aggressive leverage.
South Korea’s stock market is sitting on a $40 billion leverage position in U.S. tech assets. The KOSPI has surged 177% over the past year.
On the surface, semiconductor giants Samsung and SK Hynix drove most of that momentum. But a deeper look reveals a retail-driven leverage story that regulators are already scrambling to address.
Korean Retail Floods U.S. Leveraged ETFs at Historic Pace
Korean retail investors allocated $40 billion into U.S. leveraged ETFs throughout 2025. Of that total, $7 billion entered in December alone.
The pace alarmed South Korean financial regulators enough to intervene directly. Authorities imposed mandatory training and mock trading requirements to restrict retail access to these instruments.
The same investor class that fueled the crypto “Kimchi Premium” has rotated into equities. Their appetite for high-risk, high-return products has not cooled. They simply shifted the arena. The move has concentrated enormous exposure into 2x and 3x U.S. tech ETFs.
This is not a niche segment of the market. Korean retail is widely recognized as one of the most active investor bases globally. Their capital flows carry real weight in offshore markets. At $40 billion, their U.S. ETF positioning is now systemically relevant.
The regulatory response confirms the scale of concern. Training requirements and mock trading rules are unusual interventions. They signal that authorities view the current behavior as a structural risk, not just speculative excess.
Rising Volatility at Market Highs Signals Stretched Positioning
Volatility is climbing even as the KOSPI holds near euphoric highs. That combination is historically unusual. Volatility typically spikes during market bottoms, not tops. When it rises alongside highs, it often reflects aggressive call buying and overextended leverage.
According to data flagged by Bull Theory, the current setup involves three overlapping risk layers. A 177% domestic rally almost entirely dependent on semiconductors.
Forty billion dollars parked in highly leveraged offshore tech products. And volatility expanding while prices stay elevated.
If U.S. tech corrects, Korean retail faces pressure on both fronts simultaneously. Their KOSPI holdings decline on weaker chip export expectations. Their leveraged U.S. ETF positions amplify losses in real time. The two portfolios move against them at once.
Seoul’s market is now directly tethered to Nasdaq price action, according to Bull Theory’s analysis. Korean retail has become a significant marginal buyer of high-beta U.S. tech. That linkage runs both ways.
Crypto World
BTC Plunges Below $64K as US-Israel Military Action Against Iran Triggers Crypto Selloff
TLDR
- BTC plummeted almost 5% toward $63,000 following coordinated US-Israeli military operations against Iranian targets
- The cryptocurrency reached its weakest level since the February 5 market crash when BTC momentarily fell under $60,000
- Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a nationwide state of emergency throughout the country
- BTC’s continuous trading schedule positions it as an immediate outlet for risk aversion when traditional markets remain closed
- Market participants dumped bitcoin as it represented one of the only major liquid assets accessible during weekend hours
The world’s leading cryptocurrency experienced a dramatic decline on Saturday, February 28, 2026, plunging toward $63,000 following military strikes executed by the United States and Israel against Iran.
The digital asset shed nearly 5% of its value within mere minutes, representing a significant blow to the cryptocurrency market.
The selloff pushed bitcoin to levels not witnessed since February 5, when the digital currency momentarily traded beneath the $60,000 threshold.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a comprehensive state of emergency covering the entire nation immediately following the commencement of the military operations.
According to The Wall Street Journal, a U.S. official verified American involvement in the coordinated attacks.
Reuters reported that Israeli officials characterized the military action as a “preemptive strike,” citing statements from the nation’s defense leadership.
Why Bitcoin Sold Off First
Unlike traditional equity and bond markets that close for weekends, Bitcoin operates continuously without interruption, 24 hours daily, seven days weekly.
This constant availability positions it as among the few substantial, liquid assets accessible for traders to offload during heightened risk periods outside conventional market operating hours.
This behavior represents a recurring phenomenon. BTC frequently experiences rapid selloffs during geopolitical crises, often rebounding once conventional markets resume trading.
“Bitcoin just dropped off a cliff,” one market observer shared on X, further predicting that “Monday will be a bloodbath in the market.”
Geopolitical Context
The military operations arrive after several weeks of escalating U.S. military presence and unsuccessful nuclear discussions with Iranian leadership.
Market analysts had previously been examining potential implications of Iranian conflict for bitcoin, precious metals, and equity markets.
The military action heightens the possibility of expanded regional warfare in one of the globe’s most economically critical regions.
In recent months, bitcoin’s price movement has diverged from gold, challenging its narrative as a safe-haven or “digital gold” investment vehicle.
As of Saturday morning hours, bitcoin was changing hands near $63,000, with additional market volatility anticipated when conventional financial markets resume operations Monday.
Crypto World
Altcoins Bleed Out After Trump Confirms Attacks Against Iran, BTC Down to $63K: Weekend Watch
KCS, STABLE, and PIPPIN are today’s top losers after the latest attacks.
Bitcoin’s price moves took another turn for the worse in the past few hours after Israel attacked Iran, and then US President Trump confirmed his country was also involved.
Numerous altcoins have bled out heavily, while Binance Coin has taken advantage and surpassed XRP in terms of market cap.
BTC Dumps Again
It was already a highly volatile trading week for the primary cryptocurrency as the bears seemed to be in full control by Tuesday. At the time, they pushed the asset south to a multi-week low of $62,500. However, bitcoin rebounded almost immediately and skyrocketed by several grand to $70,000 on Wednesday.
Many analysts speculated whether this was a typical dead-cat bounce, which turned out to be the case. At first, BTC slipped to around $68,000, where it spent most of Thursday and Friday. However, the situation worsened once again on Saturday morning when Israel launched a “preemptive” attack against Iran and issued a state of emergency.
In minutes, BTC plunged to under $62,800 before it recovered some ground to $63,400 as of press time. US President Donald Trump confirmed that the US was also involved in the attacks, and more volatility is expected later today as the situation unravels.
As of now, bitcoin’s market cap has slid to $1.275 trillion on CG, while its dominance over the alts is below 56%.
Alts Bleed
The graph below will show the painful reality in the altcoin space, in which almost all assets are deep in the red. ETH has plunged by $200 in the past few days to $1,850. XRP was surpassed by BNB after a 9% drop, while SOL has slumped by double digits to under $80.
ADA, HYPE, BCH, DOGE, CC, LINK, and XLM have plummeted hard as well. Declines of up to 20% are evident from KCS, PIPPIN, and STABLE, while stablecoins linked to gold are in the green.
The total crypto market cap has erased over $100 billion in the past day or so and is deep below $2.3 trillion on CG.
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Bitcoin faced geopolitical instability alone as a weekend move on Iran saw traditional markets closed, with key support still holding.
Bitcoin (BTC) daily losses neared 4% on Saturday as the US and Israel announced a military operation in Iran.
Key points:
-
Bitcoin targets $63,000 as US President Donald Trump confirms a major bombing campaign inside Iran.
-
Trump highlights nuclear infrastructure as a key target of the joint raids with Israel.
-
Crypto markets react alone with TradFi trading suspended until futures return.
Trump tells Iranians: “Take over your government”
Data from TradingView showed BTC price action testing $63,000 as crypto markets reacted to the weekend’s events.
In a video address, US President Donald Trump said that the goal of the move was to target Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, but finished by calling on Iranians to take control of the incumbent government.
“When we are finished, take over your government; it will be yours to take,” he said.
“This will be, probably, your only chance for generations. For many years, you have asked for America’s help, but you never got it.”
With US stock market futures yet to open, crypto was alone in deciding on how to react to fresh geopolitical instability.
Data from CoinGlass showed liquidations passing $250 million in the four hours to the time of writing.
“The US and Israel now appear to be at war with Iran for the second time in 8 months,” trading resource The Kobeissi Letter wrote in a response on X.
Kobeissi referenced a previous Iran offensive in 2025 — an event that sparked an immediate, volatile reaction across crypto and risk assets.
Bitcoin reacts to familiar cues
With core support levels still holding for BTC/USD, the fresh escalation comes at a key time for traders as the final hours tick down to the February monthly close.
Related: Price predictions 2/27: BTC, ETH, XRP, BNB, SOL, DOGE, BCH, ADA, HYPE, LINK
As Cointelegraph reported, the pair is now down roughly as much as in February 2025, and due to seal its fifth consecutive month of losses — something not encountered in seven years.
Hot US inflation data added another headwind for Bitcoin bulls on Friday, after they tried and failed to reclaim key support levels closer to $70,000.
This article does not contain investment advice or recommendations. Every investment and trading move involves risk, and readers should conduct their own research when making a decision. While we strive to provide accurate and timely information, Cointelegraph does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information in this article. This article may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Cointelegraph will not be liable for any loss or damage arising from your reliance on this information.
Quick Summary
- On February 28, 2026, Israel executed a coordinated “pre-emptive strike” against Iran alongside US forces
- President Trump announced “major combat operations” were active in Iranian territory
- Iranian authorities shut down national airspace and vowed “crushing” retaliation
- Supreme Leader Khamenei was evacuated from Tehran to an undisclosed secure facility
- Washington simultaneously added Iran to its “state sponsor of wrongful detention” list
On February 28, 2026, Israel executed a coordinated pre-emptive military operation against Iranian targets. A senior Israeli defence official speaking to Reuters confirmed the attack was synchronized with United States forces.
President Donald Trump publicly acknowledged American involvement, stating the United States had initiated “major combat operations” on Iranian soil. CNN’s reporting indicated the strikes concentrated on Iranian military installations.
According to the Israeli defence official, operational planning extended across several months. The specific execution date was finalized weeks before the actual strikes commenced.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz made the official strike announcement while simultaneously implementing emergency protocols throughout Israel. Officials cited expectations of Iranian counter-strikes as justification for the emergency measures.
Around 08:15 local time, warning sirens activated throughout Israeli territory. Citizens received emergency mobile notifications characterizing the situation as an “extremely serious” security threat.
Journalists from AFP stationed in Tehran documented two powerful explosions. Dense smoke columns rose from central and eastern sections of Iran’s capital city.
According to Iran’s Fars news agency, the “type of explosions suggests a missile attack.” Iranian officials have not yet released comprehensive damage assessments.
Following the explosions, Iranian aviation authorities ordered a complete national airspace shutdown. The Civil Aviation Organisation issued the closure directive “until further notice.”
Tehran’s Reaction and Command Structure
A senior Iranian official informed Reuters that Tehran is organizing a “crushing” counter-offensive. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was transported from Tehran to a protected location outside the capital.
These military actions occurred approximately eight months after a 12-day aerial conflict between Israeli and Iranian forces in June 2025. Both Washington and Jerusalem had issued multiple warnings about potential strikes should Iran persist with its nuclear enrichment and ballistic missile development.
Washington’s Detention Designation
Coinciding with the military strikes, the United States formally classified Iran as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention.” Iran became the inaugural nation added to this sanctions list, established through a Trump executive order issued in September 2025.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly demanded Iran release all detained American citizens. He indicated future possibilities include invalidating US passport travel authorization to Iran.
Trump additionally declared his objective of eliminating all uranium enrichment activities in Iran, including civilian nuclear programs. This statement followed indirect diplomatic discussions between US and Iranian representatives in Geneva, where both delegations reported constructive progress.
Oman’s Foreign Minister revealed that Iranian negotiators committed during Geneva talks to permanently cease enriched uranium stockpiling. He characterized this commitment as a significant diplomatic achievement with potential to avert broader conflict.
On Friday, Trump stated he hadn’t reached a “final decision” regarding military action. By Saturday morning, operations had commenced.
Morgan Stanley has taken another step deeper into digital assets, filing for a new national trust bank charter that would allow the firm to custody cryptocurrencies and carry out related services for clients in the United States.
Key Takeaways:
- Morgan Stanley applied for a national trust charter to custody crypto and provide trading and staking services.
- The move is part of a broader institutional push for regulated digital asset infrastructure.
- Approval would let the bank hold client crypto directly as it expands ETFs and wealth management offerings.
A public filing with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency shows the application, submitted Feb. 18, is under the name Morgan Stanley Digital Trust, National Association.
The move would establish a newly created banking entity rather than an acquired institution.
Morgan Stanley Subsidiary to Offer Crypto Custody, Trading and Staking Services
According to reports from Bloomberg and Forbes, the subsidiary would provide custody for selected digital assets and support investment activity through purchases, sales, swaps and transfers.
The filing also outlines plans to offer staking services, an increasingly common feature among institutional crypto platforms.
A national trust charter permits fiduciary operations such as asset safekeeping, custody and trust services. “De novo” status indicates the bank is being formed from scratch.
If approved, it would mark Morgan Stanley’s first trust charter dedicated specifically to crypto.
The application comes amid a broader push by financial institutions to secure federal oversight for digital asset operations.
— Mark (@markchadwickx) February 28, 2026
BREAKING: This is MASSIVE news for Alts…
Morgan Stanley is going all-in on Crypto – and they like $XRP over Bitcoin.
Morgan Stanley just applied for a national trust bank charter to custody Bitcoin and crypto assets.
This is a Wall Street giant applying to custody crypto… pic.twitter.com/vKjmMGu7oD
More recently, payments firms and trading platforms, among them Stripe-owned Bridge and Crypto.com, have also pursued similar approvals.
The race reflects growing demand from institutional clients seeking regulated custody and trading infrastructure following years of market volatility and high-profile exchange failures.
Morgan Stanley has been steadily expanding its presence in the sector. In January, the bank appointed equity markets executive Amy Oldenburg to lead a newly formed digital asset division.
Job postings indicate the firm is hiring additional specialists across strategy and product roles tied to crypto services.
The investment bank has also filed to launch spot Bitcoin and Solana exchange-traded funds, followed by a proposed staked Ether ETF.
Together, the filings suggest a wider strategy aimed at integrating digital assets into traditional wealth management offerings.
If regulators approve the charter, Morgan Stanley would be able to directly safeguard client holdings instead of relying on third-party custodians, potentially positioning the firm as a full-service provider for institutional crypto investors.
OCC Grants Trust Bank Charters to Major Crypto Firms
The OCC approved national trust bank charters in December for a slate of crypto and digital asset firms, including BitGo, Fidelity Digital Assets, Circle, Ripple and Paxos, widening the on ramp for tokenized finance.
Trust banks sit in a narrower lane than full-service banks, since they generally cannot take deposits or make loans.
Even so, the model can still open doors for stablecoin issuers that want to custody assets and run conversion and settlement services without relying entirely on third-party providers.
Earlier this year, World Liberty Financial also filed for a US national banking charter as stablecoins shift from a trading tool into payment infrastructure.
The post Morgan Stanley Applies for National Trust Charter to Hold Clients’ Crypto appeared first on Cryptonews.
OpenAI has secured a deal to run its AI models on the Pentagon’s classified network, a move announced by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in a late Friday post on X. The arrangement signals a formal step toward embedding next-generation AI within sensitive military infrastructure, framed by assurances of safety and governance that align with the company’s operating limits. Altman’s message described the department’s approach as one that respects safety guardrails and is willing to work within the company’s boundaries, underscoring a methodical path from civilian deployment to classified environments. The timing places OpenAI at the center of a broader debate about how public institutions should harness artificial intelligence without compromising civil liberties or operational safety, particularly in defense contexts.
The news comes as the White House directs federal agencies to halt use of Anthropic’s technology, initiating a six-month transition for agencies already relying on its systems. The policy demonstrates the administration’s intent to tighten oversight over AI tools used across government while still leaving room for carefully orchestrated, safety-conscious deployments. The juxtaposition between a Pentagon-backed integration and a nationwide pause on a rival platform highlights a government-wide reckoning about how, where, and under what safeguards AI technologies should operate in sensitive domains.
Altman’s remarks emphasized a cautious but constructive stance toward national-security applications. He framed the OpenAI arrangement as one that prioritizes safety while allowing access to powerful capabilities, an argument that aligns with ongoing discussions about responsible AI use in government networks. The Defense Department’s approach—favoring controlled access and rigorous governance—reflects a broader policy impulse to build operational safety into deployments that could otherwise accelerate where and how AI informs critical decisions. The public signaling from both sides suggests a model in which collaboration with defense entities proceeds under strict compliance frameworks rather than broad, unfiltered usage.
Within this regulatory and political backdrop, Anthropic’s situation remains a focal point. The company had been the first AI lab to deploy models across the Pentagon’s classified environment under a $200 million contract signed in July. Negotiations reportedly collapsed after Anthropic sought assurances that its software would not enable autonomous weapons or domestic mass surveillance. The Defense Department, by contrast, insisted that the technology remain available for all lawful military purposes, a stance designed to preserve flexibility for defense needs while maintaining safeguards. The divergence illustrates the delicate balance between enabling cutting-edge capabilities and enforcing guardrails that align with national security and civil-liberties considerations.
Anthropic later stated it was “deeply saddened” by the designation and signaled its intention to challenge the decision in court. The move, if upheld, could set a significant precedent affecting how American technology firms negotiate with government agencies as political scrutiny of AI partnerships intensifies. OpenAI, for its part, has indicated it maintains similar restrictions and has written them into its own agreement framework. Altman noted that OpenAI prohibits domestic mass surveillance and requires human accountability in decisions involving the use of force, including automated weapons systems. These provisions are meant to align with the government’s expectations for responsible AI use in sensitive operations, even as the military explores deeper integration of AI tools into its workflows.
Public reaction to the developments has been mixed. Some observers on social platforms questioned the trajectory of AI governance and the implications for innovation. The discussion touches on broader concerns about how security and civil liberties can be reconciled with the speed and scale of AI deployment in governmental and defense contexts. Nonetheless, the core takeaway is clear: the government is actively experimenting with AI in national-security spaces while simultaneously imposing guardrails to prevent misuse, with the outcomes likely to shape future procurement and collaboration across the tech sector.
Altman’s comments reiterated that OpenAI’s restrictions include a prohibition on domestic mass surveillance and a requirement for human oversight in decisions involving force, including automated weapons systems. Those commitments are framed as prerequisites for access to classified environments, signaling a governance model that seeks to harmonize the power of large-scale AI models with the safeguards demanded by sensitive operations. The broader trajectory suggests a sustained interest among policymakers and defense stakeholders in harnessing AI’s benefits while maintaining tight oversight to prevent overreach or misuse. As this enters a phase of practical implementation, both government agencies and tech providers will be measured against their ability to maintain safety, transparency, and accountability in high-stakes settings.
The unfolding narrative also underscores how procurement and policy decisions around AI will influence the technology’s broader ecosystem. If the Pentagon’s experiments with OpenAI’s models within classified networks prove scalable and secure, they could set a template for future collaborations that blend cutting-edge AI with rigorous governance, a model likely to ripple into adjacent industries—including those exploring AI-assisted analytics and blockchain-based governance mechanisms. At the same time, the Anthropic episode demonstrates how这样 procurement negotiations can hinge on explicit guarantees regarding weaponization and surveillance—an issue that could shape the terms under which startups and incumbents pursue federal contracts.
In parallel, the public discourse around AI policy continues to evolve, with lawmakers and regulators watching closely how private firms respond to national-security demands. The outcome of Anthropic’s intended legal challenge could influence the negotiating playbook for future government partnerships, potentially affecting how terms are drafted, how risk is allocated, and how compliance is verified across different agencies. The OpenAI-aided deployment inside the Pentagon’s classified network remains a test case for balancing the speed and utility of AI with the accountability and safety constraints that define its most sensitive applications.
As the regulatory landscape continues to shift, many in the tech community will be watching for how these developments crystallize into concrete practice—how assessments of risk, security protocols, and governance standards evolve in next-generation AI deployments. The interplay between aggressive capability development and deliberate risk containment is now a central feature of strategic technology planning, with implications that extend beyond defense to other sectors that rely on AI for decision-making, data analysis, and critical operations. The coming months will reveal whether the OpenAI-DoD collaboration can serve as a durable model for secure, responsible AI integration within the state’s most sensitive enclaves.
OpenAI’s late-Friday X post framing the Pentagon deployment, and the Defense Department’s safety-oriented stance toward Anthropic, anchor the narrative in primary statements. The Truth Social post attributed to President Trump further contextualizes the political climate surrounding federal AI policy. On Anthropic’s side, the company’s official statement provides the formal counterpoint to the designation and its legal trajectory. Together, these sources outline a multi-faceted landscape where national security, civil liberties, and commercial interests intersect in real time.
TLDR:
- BTC dropped below $64,000 within hours of Israel’s confirmed strike on Iran’s presidential HQ.
- Ethereum fell over 5% to under $1,900 as traders liquidated risk positions across altcoins.
- Over $100M in long positions were wiped out within 15 minutes of the strike news hitting markets.
- Polymarket trader Vivaldi007 turned $385K profit betting on a U.S.-Israel Iran strike since Feb 8.
Explosions rocked Tehran after Israel launched strikes on Iran’s presidential headquarters and Ministry of Intelligence. Sirens blared across Israel as the IDF sent emergency alerts to citizens’ phones.
Crypto markets responded immediately, shedding over $100 million in long positions within 15 minutes. The joint operation, reportedly involving the United States, sent shockwaves far beyond the Middle East.
Israel-Iran Strike Sends Crypto Prices Into Freefall
Bitcoin dropped roughly 3% within hours of the news breaking. It fell below $64,000 as traders rushed to cut exposure.
Ethereum took a harder hit, sliding over 5% to under $1,900. The broader crypto market cap lost around 6% in early trading, according to market data. According to a snapshot from the cryptobubbles, the market appears red. Most assets are recording substantial drops.
The IDF confirmed sirens sounded throughout Israel shortly before the strikes became public. Citizens received direct cellular alerts to stay near protected spaces. The military framed the alert as a proactive measure. It signaled the scale of what was unfolding.
On-chain tracking platform Lookonchain reported one high-profile casualty of the volatility. Trader Machi, who had deposited $245,000 just four days prior, was liquidated again. His account dropped to only $13,580. The timing proved catastrophic for leveraged long positions across the board.
Not everyone lost. Lookonchain also flagged Polymarket trader Vivaldi007, who had been betting on a U.S.-Israel strike against Iran since February 8. He placed wagers on nearly every available date and kept losing until now. The strikes pushed his total profit to $385,000.
Geopolitical Risk Reignites Crypto Market Volatility
This pattern is not new. When the U.S. struck Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025, BTC plunged below $100,000 during a 7% market-wide selloff.
Oil supply fears and global economic uncertainty drove the move. Crypto behaved like a risk asset, not a safe haven.
The April 2024 Israel-Iran exchange produced a similar response. BTC briefly dipped under $60,000 as capital rotated toward gold and the dollar. Markets recovered once tensions cooled. Whether that playbook repeats depends on what comes next.
Iran’s potential response remains the key variable. A closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly 20% of global oil, could spike energy prices and reignite inflation fears.
Central bank tightening in that scenario would add further pressure on risk assets. Past modeling suggests a full escalation could cut crypto valuations by 10 to 20% in the short term.
The IDF has not issued further operational updates. Markets remain on edge.
Israel and the United States carried out a joint strike on Iran early Saturday, marking a major escalation in regional tensions. Bitcoin reached extremely to the news, dropping straight to $63,000 and extending daily losses to nearly 7%.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the operation as a “preemptive strike.” The Israeli government declared a nationwide state of emergency, warning of possible Iranian retaliation using drones and ballistic missiles.
US Iran War Officially Starts
According to CNN, the strike was coordinated between Washington and Jerusalem. Officials said the action aimed to counter what they described as an immediate threat.
Details on the specific targets have not yet been fully disclosed.The move follows weeks of rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Washington yesterday designated Iran a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention, accusing Tehran of holding American citizens for political leverage.
At the same time, the U.S. increased its military presence in Israel, deploying advanced fighter jets and additional assets across the region.
Bitcoin Crashes and Erased Weekly Gains
Bitcoin fell sharply following news of the strike. The cryptocurrency dropped more than 6% in 24 hours, sliding to around $63,300.
The decline erased recent recovery attempts and extended broader weakness over the past month.Traders appear to be cutting risk exposure amid fears of a wider regional conflict.
If Iran retaliates directly against Israeli or U.S. assets, the situation could escalate quickly. Energy markets are also on alert, given Iran’s strategic position in global oil routes.
OpenAI has reached an agreement with the United States Department of Defense to deploy its artificial intelligence models on classified military networks, just hours after the White House ordered federal agencies to stop using technology from rival firm Anthropic.
In a late Friday post on X, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced the deal, saying the company would provide its models inside the Pentagon’s “classified network.” He wrote that the department showed “deep respect for safety” and a willingness to work within the company’s operating limits.
The announcement came amid a turbulent week for the AI sector. Earlier the same day, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth labeled Anthropic a “Supply-Chain Risk to National Security,” a designation typically applied to foreign adversaries. The ruling requires defense contractors to certify they are not using the company’s models.
President Donald Trump simultaneously directed every US federal agency to immediately halt use of Anthropic technology, with a six-month transition period for agencies already relying on its systems.
Related: Crypto VC Paradigm expands into AI, robotics with $1.5B fund: WSJ
Anthropic Pentagon talks collapse over AI use limits
Anthropic was the first AI lab to deploy models across the Pentagon’s classified environment under a $200 million contract signed in July. Negotiations collapsed after the company sought guarantees that its software would not be used for autonomous weapons or domestic mass surveillance. The Defense Department insisted the technology be available for all lawful military purposes.
In a statement, Anthropic said it was “deeply saddened” by the designation and intends to challenge the decision in court. The company warned the move could set a precedent affecting how American technology firms negotiate with government agencies, as political scrutiny of AI partnerships continues to intensify.
Altman said OpenAI maintains similar restrictions and that they were written into the new agreement. According to him, the company prohibits domestic mass surveillance and requires human responsibility in decisions involving the use of force, including automated weapons systems.
Related: Pantera, Franklin Templeton join Sentient Arena to test AI agents
OpenAI faces backlash after deal
Meanwhile, some users on X voiced skepticism. “I just canceled ChatGPT and bought Claude Pro Max,” Christopher Hale, an American Democratic politician, wrote. “One stands up for the God-given rights of the American people. The other folds to tyrants,” he added.
“2019 OpenAI: we will never help build weapons or surveillance tools. 2026 OpenAI: department of War, hold my classified cloud instance. Integrity arc go brrrrrrr,” one crypto user wrote.
Magazine: Bitcoin may take 7 years to upgrade to post-quantum — BIP-360 co-author
Israel also announced a state of emergency as it expects a quick retaliation by Iran.
The enhanced price volatility this week continues, as bitcoin has started to lose value rapidly once again, dropping to a multi-day low of well under $63,600.
The latest leg down was likely prompted by the quickly escalating global tension, especially between the two old enemies – Iran and Israel.
The breaking story started to develop less than half an hour ago on Saturday morning when multiple news outlets reported that Israel had launched an “preemptive attack” against Iran. The former’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, announced a state of emergency within the country because they expect retaliation from Iran by drones and other strikes.
Similar instances in the past have impacted bitcoin’s price, and this time is no different. Given the fact that the cryptocurrency space is the only financial market open during the weekend, the effects were immediate.
In the span of just minutes, bitcoin went from $66,000 to $63,600 before recovering some ground to $64,000. However, the asset is down by over four grand since yesterday when it was rejected at $68,000.
Before that, it peaked at $70,000 on Wednesday after it bounced from a multi-week low of $62,500 marked a day earlier. The altcoins have experienced similar volatility, with many dropping by 2% or more in the past hour alone.
Consequently, the liquidations are on the rise again, hitting $450 million on a 24-hour scale. $185 million from the total came in just the last hour.
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