Markets Live: Bitcoin Stays Cautious as Iran Ceasefire Awaits Final Test

The U.S. and Iran have reached an interim agreement to pause hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, easing the macro pressure that has weighed on crypto markets for weeks. Oil prices fell sharply and equities rallied, while bitcoin showed only modest movement.

Brent crude dropped more than 4% toward $83, its lowest level in three months, as the Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments, is expected to reopen on June 19. Asian shares rose more than 3%, with Japan’s Nikkei on track for a record close. Bitcoin was trading near $65,000, slightly higher over the weekend but still confined within its recent $63,000 to $65,000 range, according to CoinDesk data.

Traders may be wary because bitcoin has seen similar relief rallies fade before. A ceasefire in April collapsed, and U.S. strikes broke another truce on June 9, each time reversing much of the market optimism.

Markets are not treating the agreement as permanent until the June 19 signing in Switzerland holds. The deal remains interim, sanctions have yet to be resolved, and Trump has said he could resume strikes if nuclear talks fail.

For crypto, the more important channel may be inflation rather than the geopolitical headline itself.

Lower oil prices could ease the price pressures that have pushed central banks toward tighter policy. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan is due to decide on policy tomorrow, and a softer inflation backdrop could reduce the hawkish tone that has revived risks around the yen carry trade.

If that dynamic unfolds, it could help draw liquidity back toward crypto assets.

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