(March 12): Bitcoin weakened early on Thursday in Asia as oil surged back above US$100 (RM395) a barrel on deepening concerns about the Iran conflict. The original cryptocurrency fell as much as 2% after attacks on two oil tankers in Iraqi waters and remained around US$69,600 at 12.15pm. Bitcoin has been relatively stable compared with other assets since the US and Israel initiated a bombing campaign against Iran on Feb 28. US President Donald Trump suggested this week that the war could end soon, but the timeline remains unclear. Holders of large amounts of Bitcoin, known as whales, were also buying as prices dipped, he added.

Source: The Edge Markets March 12, 2026 04:49 UTC