Bitcoin fell below $76,000 after failing to surpass the $80,000 level. This decline was determined by geopolitical tension, low liquidity in the markets and tight macroeconomic conditions. Former US President Donald Trump’s claim that Iran asked for US support to open the Strait of Hormuz attracted attention in the market. Since the Strait of Hormuz is a key transit point for world oil trade, it is known that any disruption could put pressure on both energy prices and risky assets.
Geopolitical Tensions and Their Effects
According to Trump’s statements, Iran conveyed its demands to the USA to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. In this period when leadership problems are on the agenda in Iran, any closure or disruption in the Bosphorus means an increase in energy costs, especially for Asian economies. Concerns about oil stock capacity and possible production cuts have increased.
While it is stated that the peace offer offered by Iran includes the reopening of the strait, it is reported that within the scope of this offer, negotiations on the nuclear program and missile activities have been postponed. The US administration, on the other hand, emphasizes that a possible compromise requires preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. In this uncertain environment, investors avoided taking risks, and assets such as Bitcoin faced selling pressure during a period of high volatility.
“While market volatility continues, a possible crisis in the Strait of Hormuz puts pressure on energy prices and pushes investors trading in the crypto market to be cautious.”
Market Dynamics and Liquidity Issues
Bitcoin moved in a narrow band after encountering resistance around $80,000. While investors focus on the US Federal Reserve’s next meeting, interest rate expectations are the main determinant in the market. With liquidity providers withdrawing from the market over the weekend, transaction volumes decreased and large orders were observed to have a greater impact on the price.
After the price shifted from $78,000 to below $77,000 in a short time, forced liquidations of leveraged long positions occurred, totaling more than $100 million. It was observed that, especially during the weekend period, as institutional investors and market makers were disabled, order books became sparse and automatic liquidations increased the sales wave.
Long-Term Prospects and Commentary by Peter Brandt
In addition to the short-term fluctuation in Bitcoin price, some high-target predictions made for 2026 are being questioned. Experienced futures trader Peter Brandt is cautious about predictions that Bitcoin will reach $250,000 by the end of 2026. According to Brandt, the current technical structure does not indicate a strong and permanent rise. He states that Bitcoin is still fluctuating in an ascending parallel channel, and a clear bottom formation has not formed.
Brandt states that a strong rally is possible only if the price exceeds the upper band of this channel with volume. At the time he commented, Bitcoin was seen to be in the $76,000-78,000 range, and it was still far from the highest level of $126,100 seen in October 2025.
Although Peter Brandt draws a more positive picture in the long term, he states that 2027 can be expected for a new record level. He predicts that an attractive buying opportunity may arise for Bitcoin again in 2026.
