Bitcoin tops $68,000 after Iran confirms Khamenei's death

Bitcoin jumped to $68,000 early Sunday, recovering nearly all of Saturday's war-driven losses after Iranian state TV confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in U.S. and Israeli airstrikes. Khamenei held ultimate authority over Iran's military, foreign policy and nuclear program; under the constitution a temporary council—made up of the president, the head of the judiciary and a Guardian Council jurist—assumes leadership duties until the Assembly of Experts appoints a successor.

U.S. president Donald Trump urged Iranians to overthrow the regime, calling this "probably your only chance for generations." Tehran has continued firing missiles at Israel, and Israeli strikes on Iran are ongoing; Trump added U.S. attacks would continue for as long as necessary.

Bitcoin's $64,000-to-$68,000 swing happened on thin Sunday liquidity and was driven by a single headline, a move that represents roughly an $80 billion market-cap shift in hours.

Iran

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