US President Donald Trump is scheduled to speak at the White House on Iran at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time on March 2, which is midnight in Beijing. Crypto markets reacted before the speech. Bitcoin first moved above $67,000 and then climbed past $68,000, while Ether advanced from above $1,980 to $2,000.
The remarks come as the US-Israel joint military campaign, referred to in the source material as “Operation Epic Rage,” continues to unfold. According to the report, joint strikes began on February 28 and targeted facilities linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, air defense systems, nuclear-related sites, and naval assets. Trump had previously announced the start of the operation by video, saying the goal was to remove what he called an imminent threat to the US and its allies and to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and long-range missile capabilities.
Markets react before the White House statement
Attention is centered on whether Trump will use the speech to provide updates on military progress and casualties, issue a new warning to remaining Iranian forces, or signal any room for diplomacy. The source also states that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the attack, and that at least three US soldiers were killed. Trump said the operation would continue until all objectives were met and estimated it could take “four weeks or less.”
Before the speech, global financial markets had already been moving on the escalation in the Middle East, with higher energy prices and stronger demand for safe-haven assets. Crypto joined that move. Prices in major tokens shifted quickly as traders responded to geopolitical headlines and repriced expectations ahead of Trump’s address.
Bitcoin clears $68,000, Ether reaches $2,000
Market action in the source shows a clear upward move after the headline spread. Bitcoin broke through $67,000 and later extended the rally above $68,000. Ether followed with a move above $1,980 and then touched $2,000. No additional data on volume, open interest, or on-chain activity was provided in the source, but the price response in major cryptocurrencies was immediate.