What next for bitcoin as BTC nears $68,000 on fresh US-Iran tensions

CoinDesk

by Shaurya Malwa

February 20, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Bitcoin is nearing $68,000 as geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran persist, while risk appetite remains subdued in global markets. The cryptocurrency market has shown signs of stabilization after a volatile week, with Bitcoin leading gains and other altcoins like XRP, Solana (SOL), Dogecoin (DOGE), and Cardano (ADA) also seeing modest increases. However, ether (ETH) lags slightly below $2,000, as traders view this level as a key defensive line rather than a ceiling for gains. The current market behavior reflects a cautious sentiment driven by macroeconomic factors and geopolitical uncertainties. Gold has surged to near $5,000 an ounce amid rising Middle East tensions, with U.S. President Donald Trump signaling a deadline for nuclear deal talks with Iran while American military forces reportedly bolster their presence in the region. These developments have fueled demand for safe-haven assets, making it harder for riskier assets like cryptocurrencies to gain momentum. Analysts warn of potential risks ahead. FxPro’s chief market analyst, Alex Kuptsikevich, predicts a possible retest of 2024 lows, pointing to levels last seen in the second half of last year. Meanwhile, ether is hovering near its long-standing support line at $2,000, but a breakdown below recent lows around $1,500 could signal further declines. Additionally, data from CryptoQuant shows record inflows of Bitcoin from large holders to exchanges like Binance, which often precedes increased selling pressure. The broader crypto market is struggling to turn rebounds into sustained trends due to weak spot demand and lingering seller interest. While the market can bounce back in short bursts, it lacks the conviction to push through to higher levels. This cautious outlook is further compounded by a more hawkish tone from the Federal Reserve

Verticals

cryptofinance

Originally published on CoinDesk on 2/20/2026