Bitcoin slides below $80,000 on Middle East tensions, U.S. evacuations

Bitcoin slides — Bitcoin fell below the $80,000 mark on Saturday, hitting its lowest price in over a month, as digital asset markets reacted to heightened geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

The sell-off followed a report from The Wall Street Journal detailing the rapid evacuation of U.S. personnel from embassies and military bases across the region. According to the report, intelligence suggests Iran is preparing attacks against American targets, prompting the urgent moves.

The broader crypto market saw widespread declines over the weekend. Bitcoin’s drop extended a period of weekend pressure for digital assets, which often face heightened volatility during periods of reduced traditional market trading.

The geopolitical news appears to have spurred a classic risk-off response from traders, moving capital away from perceived risk assets like cryptocurrencies. The evacuations reportedly go beyond earlier, more limited actions involving diplomatic staff.