TLDR
- Bitcoin fell 2.33% over 24 hours to $62,914.24.
- BTC market cap dropped to $1.26T as trading volume fell to $30.36B.
- Iran paused its delegation’s trip to Switzerland and the 60-day talks process.
- Iran suspended Strait of Hormuz transit charges for commercial vessels for 60 days.
- Bitcoin micro-transactions below 0.01 BTC now make up about 80% of transactions.
Bitcoin fell below $63,000 over the past 24 hours as traders reacted to renewed geopolitical uncertainty, weaker market momentum, and continued pressure across risk assets. At press time, BTC was trading at $62,914.24, down 2.33% on the day, while its market capitalization slipped by the same percentage to $1.26 trillion.
The latest chart action showed Bitcoin moving above the $64,000 area earlier in the session before sellers pushed the price lower. BTC later dropped toward the $62,500 zone, attempted to recover near $63,000, and then slipped back toward $62,800 as buyers failed to regain short-term control.
Iran Negotiation Pause Adds Market Uncertainty
The decline came as uncertainty returned to the U.S.-Iran negotiation process. Iran reportedly suspended its delegation’s planned trip to Switzerland and placed the 60-day negotiation process on hold after renewed Israeli military action in southern Lebanon.
The pause raised doubts over a recently signed memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran. The agreement had been designed to build on a ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, address U.S. sanctions, and create a framework for talks over Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran’s position is tied to its view that the memorandum covered a wider cessation of hostilities, including fronts involving Lebanon and Hezbollah. Since Israel is not a signatory to the document and has continued operations in southern Lebanon, Tehran reportedly views the situation as a breach of the understanding.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei said he approved the agreement despite having a different view after receiving assurances from President Masoud Pezeshkian and other officials. He also warned that Iran would not accept additional demands from Washington.
Strait of Hormuz Measures Remain in Focus
The memorandum includes steps affecting maritime activity near Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said commercial vessels transiting the strait would not be charged passage fees for 60 days.
Ships seeking to pass through the route must submit requests to Iranian maritime authorities and follow designated routes and schedules. Iranian officials cited safety concerns and navigational hazards as reasons for maintaining transit procedures during the temporary fee suspension.
U.S. Central Command said American forces were no longer impeding vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports in the Gulf and Gulf of Oman. The move followed earlier reports that the United States had lifted restrictions connected to Iranian port access.
Today, U.S. forces lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, in accordance with the President's direction. American forces are not impeding the transit of vessels to or from Iranian ports. All U.S. military blockade…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) June 18, 2026
Markets had initially reacted positively to the ceasefire and shipping-related developments because lower energy and transport risks can support broader risk appetite. That relief weakened after questions emerged over whether the 60-day negotiation window would continue as planned.
Bitcoin Network Activity Rises Despite Price Weakness
Bitcoin’s price decline came even as network activity showed rising transaction demand. Market data indicated that micro-transactions below 0.01 BTC now account for about 80% of all Bitcoin transactions, up from under 50% in 2023.
The increase is linked to activity from Runes, Ordinals, inscriptions, and OP_RETURN usage, which is approaching record levels. The activity appears to be driven more by transaction count and network use than by large-value settlement flows.
Technical analysts are watching whether Bitcoin can reclaim the $63,600 area, which may act as short-term resistance after the latest drop. A failure to hold the $62,500 to $63,000 range could keep attention on lower support near $60,400.
Source: X
Some traders expect a potential backtest of resistance before another move lower if selling pressure continues. A deeper decline toward $60,400 would place Bitcoin near a level that analysts are watching for signs of buyer response and possible momentum divergence.
Bitcoin’s next move may depend on whether geopolitical talks resume, whether energy-market risks stay contained, and whether buyers defend the lower support range.
