US and Iran Pause Strikes as Markets Wait for Monday’s Verdict

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The US and Iran both stopped their strikes, ending 13 consecutive nights of American bombing and leaving crypto traders holding the only liquid read on the pause.

Bitcoin (BTC) traded near $64,463 on Sunday, up 0.7% over the past 24 hours, while the 10 largest digital assets posted modest gains. Oil and equity markets, however, closed before the strikes stopped.

US and Iran Pause Strikes

AP reported that the US paused its airstrikes on Friday after nearly two weeks of intensifying attacks. A US Department of Defense source told CNN that operations were on hold.

Iran has also stated that strikes on Gulf states and US interests in the region would be halted. Army spokesman, Amir Akraminia, confirmed it on Sunday.

“Our strategy has essentially been retaliatory, we have also halted our retaliatory operations,” Akraminia said.

The New York Times reported that Trump shelved plans for a broader campaign due to dwindling US air defense supplies. CNN noted that Gen. Dan Caine flagged concerns about munitions stockpiles.

Despite the de-escalation, it remains a pause rather than a formal ceasefire. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that its naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in place.

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The U.S. naval blockade against Iran remains in full effect. As of July 25, CENTCOM has redirected 12 commercial vessels trying to run the blockade, disabled 2 that didn't comply, and boarded 2 to ensure total compliance.

Earlier today, U.S. forces completed a verification… pic.twitter.com/eyp1N2B9sO

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 25, 2026

Why Monday’s Asian Open Matters

Brent crude fell about 4% Friday to roughly $96.7. The benchmark had closed above $100 on Thursday for the first time since May.

Crypto, therefore, absorbed the weekend headlines alone. Total market capitalization reached $2.29 trillion on Sunday, up 0.84% over 24 hours.

Trading resumes on Monday, and the first prints will carry three days of news. Oil sets the direction for risk assets from there.

Higher crude lifts inflation expectations, which, in turn, shape the Federal Reserve’s policy and appetite for risk.

Analysts have warned against reading too much into a short lull. Michael Singh of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy told AP that duration is what matters.

“If it turns into a multiday pause, that’ll be something significant,” he said.

Houthi attacks in the Red Sea remain a second source of pressure on crude. The June ceasefire has not returned, and traffic through the strait remains halted. Monday’s crude open will show whether traders treat the pause as durable or as an operational gap.

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