Bitcoin holders show 'zero panic' as BTC hits $70K amid Middle East tensions

CoinTelegraph

by Biraajmaan Tamuly

March 2, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Bitcoin prices surged to $70,000 on Monday amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, with minimal short-term holder losses over the weekend signaling a lack of panic selling. Data from CryptoQuant revealed that short-term holder loss transfers to exchanges dropped to a two-week low, suggesting that the heaviest selling pressure may have subsided. This contrasts sharply with early February when selling activity was more intense. The rally to $70,000 has raised questions about whether Bitcoin can break its monthly resistance level. The CryptoQuant metric tracking short-term holder (STH) profit/loss (P&L) to exchanges shows that recent buyers are not rushing to sell their holdings at a loss during periods of market stress. Even as geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalated on March 1, Bitcoin’s realized losses fell to 3,700 BTC, far lower than levels seen earlier in the month. Despite Bitcoin dipping to $63,000 during that period, exchange inflows from short-term holders did not increase significantly, indicating a stronger level of conviction among holders. This data suggests that Bitcoin holders are more resilient this time around, with fewer participants amplifying market volatility through panic selling. The slowing exchange flows contrast sharply with the heightened activity seen earlier in February, when fears of a potential conflict drove more investors to sell their holdings. The current environment appears more stable, with buyers holding onto their investments despite external shocks. For crypto enthusiasts and investors, this development matters because it signals a potential shift in market dynamics. If short-term holders are less inclined

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 3/2/2026