The price of Bitcoin sharply decreased to $76,583 between May 17 and 18, 2026. This occurred against the backdrop of escalating tensions in relations between the US and Iran, as well as following a series of threats from US President Donald Trump directed at Tehran. On the weekly chart, the decline in Bitcoin’s price has already reached 6.5%.
This is reported by Finway
“Time is running out,” Trump emphasized, urging the Iranian side to reach an agreement.
Along with Bitcoin, other major cryptocurrencies also experienced significant declines. The correction hit altcoins the hardest, reflecting on the top 10 crypto assets by market capitalization. The daily volume of liquidations of futures contracts in the cryptocurrency market reached nearly $675 million, with the majority of losses occurring in long positions, indicating the sudden and powerful nature of the market correction.
Macroeconomic Pressure and Market Indicators
Over the past day, the fear and greed index in the cryptocurrency market decreased by four points, moving into the “fear” zone and demonstrating further negative dynamics. At the same time, investors are facing a number of macroeconomic challenges. Despite the appointment of a “pro-presidential” candidate as head of the US Federal Reserve, the market expects that the regulator will not ease monetary policy due to the threat of rising inflation.
In addition to geopolitical risks, persistently high oil prices have led to a sell-off of short-term US Treasury bonds. As a result, the yields on long-term securities, particularly those with maturities of 10 and 12 years, have increased, further pressuring financial markets.
Geopolitical Factors and Market Reaction
The escalation of the conflict in the Middle East and the slow progress of peace negotiations between the US and Iran are increasing uncertainty among investors. Trump’s public statements, including the posting of images of military strikes on the Iranian fleet, have heightened fears of further escalation of the conflict. This, along with macroeconomic factors, has contributed to the formation of a downward trend in the cryptocurrency market and a decline in quotes.