How Crypto Is Proving Its Worth During the U.S./Iran Conflict

Why It Matters

If sustained, crypto inflows tied to geopolitical risk would strengthen digital assets’ case as a portfolio hedge and could reshape cross-border capital flows, market liquidity and regulatory scrutiny. That dynamic may boost prices and accelerate institutional and retail adoption, with broader implications for asset-allocation and financial stability.

Summary

Franklin Templeton deputy CIO Max Goldman says recent gains in Bitcoin and Ethereum reflect crypto’s emerging role as an alternative asset amid U.S.–Iran tensions, with some Middle Eastern wealth reportedly moving on-chain rather than into dollars or gold. He argues that easy crypto on-ramps and limited liquidity can amplify modest flows into sizable price moves, and notes the market is no longer a monolith—tokens play distinct roles from network assets (Bitcoin) to platform tokens (ETH) and application-specific tokens (DeFi, gaming). Goldman expects Bitcoin could clear $100,000 later this year and recommends diversification across token sectors even though correlations remain elevated. The crypto rally follows prior liquidity-driven weakness and may be benefiting from both new entrants and a resurgence of investor confidence in digital assets.

Original Description

Max Gokhman thinks Bitcoin is proving its worth as an alternative asset during the U.S./Iran conflict. He believes that Middle Eastern wealth is moving into blockchain rather than gold or equities, propping up prices. He differentiates popular crypto products, comparing Bitcoin vs Solana and other tokens, which are able to offer different things. He notes Bitcoin tends to be the starter asset before traders move further into the sector.

Segment originally aired Friday, Mar. 13, 2026.

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