BlockBeats News, February 26 — Iran has recently accelerated its crude oil loading pace. Data shows that from February 15 to 20, exports from Kharg Island approached 20.1 million barrels, about three times the volume during the same period in January, with an average of over 3 million barrels per day. Market interpretation suggests this move may be to preempt potential U.S. military actions by releasing production and diversifying risk. If the situation escalates, relevant oil tankers might adopt dispersed navigation strategies to reduce disruption risks.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has once again taken a tough stance on Iran’s nuclear issue, increasing market expectations of conflict escalation. Investment bank analysis indicates that if a military conflict between the U.S. and Iran occurs, gold could rise approximately 15% within two weeks due to safe-haven demand, with prices potentially reaching $5,500–$5,800 per ounce, then possibly retracing gains as the situation clarifies.
In terms of cross-market impacts, rising crude oil supply risks will drive energy price volatility and intensify inflation expectations; gold benefits from geopolitical safe-haven demand, with volatility potentially significantly increasing. Risk assets face liquidity contraction and dollar strengthening pressures.
In the crypto market structure, Bitcoin is currently oscillating near the upper boundary of its range. If the dollar strengthens due to safe-haven sentiment, prices may be pressured to test the lower liquidity zone at 65–64k; if funds shift toward an inflation-hedging narrative, short-term capital could flow back, pushing the price above 69k and sweeping short positions. The key variable remains whether geopolitical risks will substantively escalate.
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