The post Stocks at Records as Oil Eases, Iran Tensions Linger appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.
The S&P 500 closed at a new record on 26 May 2026, finishing at 7,519.47 as megacap tech and resilient earnings pushed indices to fresh highs Reuters reported. Just days earlier, oil fell hard after U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran were in “final stages,” sending Brent to roughly $105.76 and WTI to about $99.22 on 20 May—a 4–5% slide on the day, per Reuters. But relief has limits. On 27 May, OFAC sanctioned Iran’s new Persian Gulf Strait Authority—linked to the IRGC and accused of extorting vessels transiting Hormuz—adding it to the U.S. SDN list U.S. Department of the Treasury. Meanwhile, U.S. data cited by Reuters showed a near 10 million-barrel weekly draw from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve around that week—a record move that tightens safety stocks even as prices dip. The Big Picture
Editor’s note: In Q1–Q2 2026, I kept hearing the same thing from energy PMs
The post U.S. Confiscates $1 Billion in Crypto Assets From Iran in Expanding Sanctions Push appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.
Key Takeaways U.S. authorities have confiscated approximately $1 billion in digital currency assets connected to Iran, twice the amount previously reported in April. Secretary Bessent revealed that crypto wallets were seized and certain holders remain unaware of the confiscation. These confiscations are part of Operation Economic Fury, a financial pressure initiative that began in March 2025 targeting Iranian revenue streams. Tehran confronts severe economic distress including inflation exceeding 200%, food rationing, connectivity blackouts, and salary defaults for military forces. Iranian authorities have been developing a Bitcoin-powered insurance system for maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent disclosed Friday that the United States has confiscated around $1 billion in digital currency holdings associated with Ira
The post US Says It Seized $1 Billion in Iran Crypto as New Front Opens appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said US authorities have seized approximately $1 billion in Iran-linked crypto assets, doubling the amount previously disclosed in late April. Speaking at the Reagan National Economic Forum, Bessent described the operation in broad terms, stating that authorities had effectively taken control of cryptocurrency wallets linked to Iranian interests. He did not provide technical details about how the assets were secured. The Treasury Secretary said the effort is part of Operation Economic Fury, a financial pressure campaign targeting Tehran that began in March 2025. US Expands Financial Pressure With $1 Billion Crypto Seizure According to Bessent, Operation Economic Fury extends beyond digital assets and includes the freezing of bank accounts and the confiscation of property in coordination with European allies. Estimated Cost of Epic Fury’s First
The assassination may destabilize Iran's governance, heightening regional tensions and impacting global diplomatic and economic landscapes.
The post Iran’s supreme leader killed in US-Israel strike, leadership stability in doubt appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
Geopolitical tensions in the Gulf could lead to sustained volatility in global energy markets, affecting economic stability worldwide.
The post Iran conflict disrupts Gulf energy, impacts crude oil prices globally appeared first on Crypto Briefing.
The post Strait of Malacca: The $92 Oil Chokepoint Investors Can’t Ignore appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.
Peter Zhang
May 30, 2026 01:03
The Strait of Malacca moves 23.2M barrels of oil daily and 30% of global trade, forcing a repricing of energy, renewables, and bypass routes.
The Strait of Malacca has quietly become the most critical chokepoint in global energy and trade flows. Moving 23.2 million barrels of oil daily and 30% of global seaborne trade through its narrow, 2-nautical-mile-wide passage, Malacca surpasses the more widely discussed Strait of Hormuz in volume and strategic importance. Yet markets have barely priced in this concentration risk—an oversight that is already reshaping investment strategies. Malacca’s Overlooked Scale In the first half of 2025, Malacca handled 29% of global seaborne oil trade, making it the world’s busiest energy transit route. For context, the Strait of Hormuz, often associated with geopolitical flashpoints, moves about 20
Record S&P 500 close on May 26, 2026 amid AI chip surge puts momentum in focus. Concentration near 36% in top 10 raises June trade-offs for SPY, RSP, and semis.
The post Billionaire says crypto seizure risk weakens Bitcoin’s gold case appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com.
Canadian billionaire Frank Giustra has challenged Bitcoin’s “digital gold” label again, arguing that crypto can still be traced and seized by governments. Summary Frank Giustra said crypto can be traced and seized, weakening Bitcoin’s digital gold claim. His comments followed US claims of nearly $1 billion in Iran-linked crypto seizures. The debate comes as governments hold seized Bitcoin and increase blockchain enforcement actions. Giustra made the comments after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent discussed the seizure of nearly $1 billion in cryptocurrency linked to Iran. The remarks renewed debate over whether Bitcoin can serve as a safe-haven asset like gold. The mining financier and gold advocate argued that crypto’s public ledger leaves holders exposed to state action. In his view, blockchain records make digital assets easier to trace than physical gold. His comment
