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Rizwan Ansari
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Sohrab KhawasSohrab is a passionate cryptocurrency news writer with over five years of experience covering the industry. He keeps a keen interest in blockchain technology and its potential to revolutionize finance. Whether he's trading or writing, Sohrab always keeps his finger on the pulse of the crypto world, using his expertise to deliver informative and engaging articles that educate and inspire. When he's not analyzing the markets, Sohrab indulges in his hobbies of graphic design, minimal design or listening to his favorite hip-hop tunes.
- Mar 23, 2026 08:42 UTC
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Trump 48 Hours Deadline Countdown Puts Markets on Edge as Bitcoin Faces Sell-Off
Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum on the Strait of Hormuz escalates tensions, rattling global markets and precious metals.
raders consider two scenarios: partial reopening could boost markets temporarily, while escalation risks pushing Bitcoin lower.
Bitcoin and crypto markets fell sharply, with Bitcoin liquidations totaling $121 million amid geopolitical uncertainty.
U.S. President Donald Trump’s 48-hour ultimatum on the Strait of Hormuz is about to expire, keeping global markets on high alert. Following this, gold and silver together lost nearly $2 trillion in value.
The crypto market also took a hit, dropping $412 million in the last 24 hours, with Bitcoin alone seeing $121 million in liquidations.
However, Financial experts have outlined two possible scenarios for what could happen next.
Trump Hormuz Ultimatum Global Markets on Edge
On 22nd March, President Trump posted on Truth Social that the U.S. could strike Iran’s power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened. This has raised geopolitical tensions.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key oil route, handling about 30% of the world’s oil supply. Any disruption could push oil prices higher. Oil is currently near $110 per barrel, down from its peak of $154. The price drop happened after the G7 and IEA announced a release of 400 million barrels from their reserves to ease shortages.
Meanwhile responded strongly to Trump’s threat, Iran warned that any attack would lead to retaliation against energy and oil infrastructure in the region. Officials said this could keep oil prices high for a long time.
Two Possible Market Scenarios
These tensions are worrying financial markets, including crypto, as rising oil prices can increase inflation. Thus, traders are now preparing for two possible scenarios.
- Resolution or Partial Reopening
In the first case, a resolution or partial reopening of the Strait could bring short-term relief. That outcome may trigger a temporary bounce in Bitcoin and equities, especially if vessels resume movement and ceasefire discussions emerge.
Perhaps analysts believe that any rally may be limited due to upcoming inflation data.
- No Deal or Escalation
In the second scenario, if tensions continue or escalate, Bitcoin’s price could hit the $66,000–$67,000 range. A drop below this could trigger deeper losses, especially if oil prices surge and liquidity tightens.Â
Risk assets often struggle when geopolitical stress combines with rising inflation expectations.
Market Awaits as Countdown Begins
Since the start of the U.S.-Israel and Iran conflict, the crypto market has struggled and moved mostly sideways. Last week, Bitcoin jumped to $76K due to strong ETF inflows from institutional investors. However, it has now lost those gains and is trading below $68K.
Traders are also closely watching upcoming inflation data. High inflation usually puts pressure on risk assets like crypto, so any short-term rally could fade if the data comes in strong.
Tonight’s market moves are being seen as a preview of what’s coming next.
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FAQs
Geopolitical risk pushes investors toward safer assets. Rising oil prices also fuel inflation fears, which typically pressure Bitcoin and other risk assets.
If tensions ease, Bitcoin may rebound short term. If conflict escalates, prices could drop toward $66K as inflation fears and liquidity tighten.
Higher oil prices increase inflation, leading central banks to tighten policy. This reduces liquidity, which often weakens crypto and equity markets.
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