Iran Conflict Escalation: Crude Oil Surpasses $100, US Stocks Decline, Bitcoin Holds $70,000 Level

Amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the Strait of Hormuz is blocked, causing Brent crude oil prices to rebound above $100 per barrel on Thursday. Concurrently, the U.S. stock market experienced a significant downturn, while Bitcoin remained stable around the $70,000 mark. The S&P 500 Index fell 1.17% to 6,696.50 points; the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 617 points, a 1.30% decrease, to 46,800.25 points; and the Nasdaq Composite Index declined 1.43% to 22,390.33 points. **Strait of Hormuz Remains Blocked** **Bitcoin Holds $70,000, Up 7% Since Outbreak of Conflict**

**Iran's $7.78 Billion Crypto Economy Under Scrutiny** Blockchain analysis firm Chainalysis reported that Iran's crypto ecosystem exceeded $7.78 billion in 2025, with addresses linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accounting for 50% of the country's crypto economy. Source: @chainalysis on X **Future Outlook** From March 16 to 19, seven central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve, will announce interest rate decisions. The oil shock has exacerbated inflation expectations, and the market now anticipates a less than 1% chance of a Fed rate cut in March. Gold prices fell 1.3% on Thursday to $5,029 per ounce. The U.S. dollar index rose 0.83% against the euro, reflecting risk aversion in traditional currency markets rather than commodity markets.