Trump Issues Ultimatum: Iran Must Open Strait of Hormuz Within 48 Hours "Or We'll Bomb Power Plants," Bitcoin Plummets to 68,000

President Trump issued a 48-hour final ultimatum this morning (22nd), demanding Iran fully open the Strait of Hormuz, or U.S. forces will destroy Iranian power plants. After the announcement, Bitcoin rapidly dropped to $68,000, with the Fear and Greed Index falling to 9, indicating extreme market panic.
(Background: Iran launched medium-range missiles at U.S. and UK bases, missing targets but with a range of 4,000 km—twice the intelligence estimate.)
(Additional context: Lai Ching-te approved: Nuclear reactors 2 and 3 have “restarting conditions”; Taiwan’s power shortage in the AI era is becoming unsustainable.)

Table of Contents

Toggle

• Middle East conflict has lasted over 4 weeks
• Bitcoin plunges to $68,000, with $236 million in liquidations
• 48-hour countdown: market awaits three possible outcomes

U.S. President Trump posted on his social platform Truth Social at 7:44 a.m. today (22nd), demanding Iran restore full passage through the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. He directly threatened: If the deadline is not met, U.S. military will strike and destroy multiple Iranian power plants, starting with the largest one.

Middle East conflict has lasted over 4 weeks

Since the U.S. and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, the conflict has persisted for over four weeks. Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has paralyzed this vital energy route.

In response to the blockade, over 20 countries have issued joint statements, including several European nations, the UAE, Bahrain, and other Gulf states, pledging to ensure safe passage through the strait and condemning Iran’s blockade. However, most actions are still verbal pressure; no clear military moves have been seen yet, so oil prices remain high.

Bitcoin plunges to $68,000, with $236 million in liquidations

Signals of escalating geopolitical tensions have quickly impacted the crypto market. Bitcoin’s price sharply dropped toward $68,000 after Trump’s statement. The Fear and Greed Index fell from 12 to 9, entering “extreme fear” territory again.

This ultimatum, with a clear deadline and targeted strikes, is interpreted by the market as a sign of escalation, intensifying selling pressure.

48-hour countdown: market awaits three possible outcomes

As the 48-hour deadline approaches, the market focuses on three scenarios: Will Iran respond? Will the U.S. take further military action? Can international joint declarations translate into real protective measures?

Any breakthrough in these areas could be a key short-term market mover. If tensions ease quickly, Bitcoin’s $68,000 level might serve as a temporary support; but if conflict escalates further, the extreme panic-driven sell-off cannot be ignored.