Bitcoin Rebounds to $68,000 After Iran’s Supreme Leader Is Killed in Airstrikes

The conflict between Israel and Iran continues to widen, with Israel’s Defense Ministry targeting senior Iranian officials in decapitation strikes. Markets are increasingly concerned that the military confrontation could become protracted and disrupt energy supplies. As geopolitical risks rise, capital has shifted toward safe-haven assets such as the U.S. dollar, putting pressure on volatile crypto assets including Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Israel’s Defense Ministry confirmed in its latest statement that Iran’s intelligence minister had been killed, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the military to carry out decapitation strikes directly for an unlimited period, immediately escalating tensions in the Middle East. As of July 20, Bitcoin had fallen below $73,000 and Ethereum had also dropped under $2,300, reflecting a rapid rise in risk aversion across global financial markets.

Khamenei ruled Iran for 37 years as the country’s highest religious and political authority, directing its nuclear program, regional proxy forces and policies toward the United States and Israel. Iranian officials confirmed that he was killed in joint U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. His death signals a reshaping of the country’s power center and could prompt markets to reprice the Middle East conflict, energy supplies and global safe-haven assets.

As of July 19, 2026, Iran had declared 40 days of national mourning, while a three-member committee led by President Masoud Pezeshkian temporarily assumed power. As markets digested the political upheaval, Bitcoin rebounded above $68,000 and Ether reclaimed $2,000. Bitcoin had earlier traded near $66,600 after three U.S. service members were killed.