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U.S. President Donald Trump spoke publicly on Sunday for the first time about American military casualties in the ongoing conflict with Iran. According to ChainCatcher, three U.S. service members have been killed in the fighting. Trump acknowledged the losses, noting that casualties are a possibility in military operations and may occur again. He added that these deaths mark the first U.S. military casualties of his second term.Trump also discussed the expected duration of the conflict, stating that the operation could last approximately four weeks, though it may conclude sooner. He described Iran as a large country requiring sustained military engagement and said the results of the strikes so far have aligned with his expectations.

The Kobeissi Letter posted on X, addressing concerns about the potential onset of World War 3 and its impact on financial markets. Despite initial fears, the market response has been relatively stable. Oil prices have retraced nearly half of their initial surge, while the S&P 500 has experienced a decline of less than 1%. Gold has seen a modest increase of 2%, and Bitcoin has turned positive for the day. The message emphasizes that there is no need for panic, as the situation is expected to stabilize.

Escalating military tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are threatening to disrupt approximately 20% of the world's oil supply, potentially driving oil prices to between $120 and $130 per barrel. According to NS3.AI, this increase in energy costs could reignite inflation concerns, potentially delaying central banks' plans for rate cuts and driving Treasury yields higher. Historically, such conditions tighten liquidity and exert pressure on cryptocurrency markets.Traders are monitoring the situation closely, as leveraged crypto positions and potential disruptions in Iran's Bitcoin mining operations add layers of risk to an already fragile market.

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke publicly on Sunday for the first time about American military casualties in the ongoing conflict with Iran. According to ChainCatcher, three U.S. service members have been killed in the fighting. Trump acknowledged the losses, noting that casualties are a possibility in military operations and may occur again. He added that these deaths mark the first U.S. military casualties of his second term.Trump also discussed the expected duration of the conflict, stating that the operation could last approximately four weeks, though it may conclude sooner. He described Iran as a large country requiring sustained military engagement and said the results of the strikes so far have aligned with his expectations.

Thousands of people gathered in Yemen's capital to express solidarity with Iran. According to Jin10, the demonstration reflects the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region, highlighting the alliances and tensions that influence Middle Eastern politics. The rally underscores the ongoing support for Iran amidst regional conflicts and international scrutiny. Observers note that such events can impact diplomatic relations and contribute to the broader geopolitical landscape.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers scheduled to load shipments in Qatar or the United Arab Emirates are reportedly changing course, as Bloomberg posted on X. This shift comes as shipowners and traders increasingly avoid the Strait of Hormuz due to rising geopolitical tensions in the region. The strategic waterway, a crucial passage for global energy supplies, has seen heightened security risks, prompting a cautious approach from the maritime industry.

The decision to reroute these tankers reflects broader concerns over the safety and security of navigating through the Strait, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The area has been a focal point of geopolitical conflicts, impacting the movement of oil and gas shipments.

Industry experts suggest that the rerouting of LNG tankers could lead to delays in deliveries and potential disruptions in the global energy market. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital corridor for oil and gas exports from the Middle East, and any prolonged avoidance could have significant implications for supply chains.

As tensions persist, stakeholders in the energy sector are closely monitoring the situation, weighing the risks associated with traversing the Strait against the need to maintain steady supply flows. The rerouting of tankers underscores the delicate balance between ensuring safety and fulfilling contractual obligations in the volatile geopolitical landscape.

火星财经消息，3 月 2 日，中东局势骤然升级引发全球市场剧烈波动，资金大举涌入避险资产。周一亚洲早盘，现货黄金、白银全线高开，国际油价一度飙升 8 美元，美股股指期货普遍下挫。 现货黄金升至 5374 美元/盎司，涨幅 1.8%；现货白银报 96 美元/盎司，涨幅 2.6%。国际油价大幅跳涨，Brent Crude 一度升至 82.37 美元/桶，WTI Crude Oil 升至 80.82 美元/桶。市场担忧美伊冲突加剧可能影响霍尔木兹海峡航运，该水道承担全球约四分之一海运石油贸易。 美股方面，三大股指期货低开，纳指、道指期货跌超 1%，标普 500 期货跌超 0.9%。资金流向美国国债、黄金及瑞士法郎等传统避险资产。 多家机构警告，若油价持续攀升至每桶 90–100 美元区间，通胀压力或再度抬头，美联储降息路径可能被迫调整。部分策略师指出，当前全球股市估值处于高位，叠加地缘政治冲击，短期内「去风险」交易或主导市场。 市场普遍认为，后续走势将取决于霍尔木兹海峡航运是否保持畅通，以及冲突是否长期化。若能源运输未受实质性影响，风险资产或阶段性企稳；但若局势持续升级，油价与通胀预期共振上行，全球股市与新兴市场资产将面临更大压力。

X, previously known as Twitter, has revised its advertising policies to permit cryptocurrency and gambling promotions, provided they adhere to the new Paid Partnership framework. According to NS3.AI, this policy shift allows influencers to legally monetize crypto content, but they must clearly disclose sponsored posts to comply with regulatory standards like those set by the FTC. The crypto community has reacted with mixed feelings; some are optimistic about the opportunities this presents, while others express concerns about enforcement challenges and the possibility of future restrictions on Crypto Twitter.

UAE’s Capital Markets Authority shut both the Abu Dhabi (ADX) and Dubai Financial Market (DFM) stock exchanges for March 2–3 after Iran struck major ports and oil tankers across the Middle East.

The ADX and DFM are the two primary equities exchanges in the United Arab Emirates, together serving as the Gulf region’s key capital market hubs.

Why it matters:

Iran’s strikes effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, the chokepoint through which roughly 20 million barrels of oil per day and nearly 20% of global LNG exports transit.

A sustained Hormuz closure could push oil above $100 per barrel, according to Kobeissi Letter analysis, spiking US CPI inflation toward 5%.

War-risk insurance costs have reportedly jumped ~50%, adding hundreds of thousands of dollars per voyage and reducing global trade flow.

Shipping reroutes around Africa add 10–14 extra days to deliveries, slowing just-in-time manufacturing supply chains.

The details:

UAE’s Capital Markets Authority ordered the two-day closure explicitly to prevent panic selling; officials said it is not a public holiday.

The exchange shutdown followed Iranian strikes on regional ports.

Meanwhile, Israel extended its state of emergency through March 12, 2026.

Qatar, one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, faces potential supply delays as the Hormuz route remains disrupted.

The big picture:

According to NS3.AI, the latest WeeklyCryptoKickoff report from 10xResearch indicates that the crypto market has seen a significant clearing of positions, with funding rates dropping to low levels and implied volatility resetting. Despite some positive ETF flows and a decrease in the U.S. 10-year Treasury yield below 4%, the overall liquidity in the crypto market remains weak. The report provides an analysis of Bitcoin and Ethereum derivatives, market sentiment, and capital flows, while also anticipating key trading ranges and events in the coming weeks.

The US military reportedly relied on Anthropic’s Claude AI during a major air strike in Iran, a development that surfaced just hours after President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to halt use of the model. Commands in the region, including CENTCOM, reportedly used Claude to support intelligence analysis, target vetting, and battlefield simulations. The episode highlights how deeply AI tooling has been woven into defense operations even as policymakers push to cut ties with certain vendors. The episode underscores a tension between executive directives and on-the-ground automation that could influence procurement and risk management across defense programs.

Key takeaways

<li Claude AI was reportedly deployed for intelligence analysis, target vetting, and battlefield simulations in connection with a major air strike, hours after a White House directive to pause use of the system.

<li Anthropic had previously secured a multiyear Pentagon contract worth up to $200 million, with collaborations involving Palantir and Amazon Web Services to enable classified workflows for Claude.

<li The Trump administration instructed agencies to stop working with Anthropic and directed the Defense Department to treat the company as a potential security risk after contract talks broke down over unrestricted military use.

<li The Pentagon began identifying replacement providers and moved to deploy other AI models on classified networks, including a collaboration with OpenAI for such deployments.

<li Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei publicly pushed back against the ban, arguing that certain military applications cross ethical boundaries and should remain under human oversight rather than automated, mass surveillance or autonomous weaponization.

Sentiment: Neutral

Market context: The episode sits at the intersection of defense procurement, AI ethics, and national-security risk management as agencies reassess vendor dependencies and the classification of AI tools for sensitive operations.

Why it matters

The incident offers a rare glimpse into how commercial AI models are integrated into high-stakes military workflows. Claude, originally designed for broad cognitive tasks, reportedly supported intelligence analysis and the modeling of battlefield scenarios, suggesting a level of operational trust that extends beyond lab environments into real-world missions. This raises important questions about the reliability, auditing, and controllability of AI in combat planning, especially when government policy signals shift rapidly around vendor usage.

At the policy level, the friction between a contracting relationship and a presidential directive highlights a broader debate about how AI vendors should be treated in secure environments. Anthropic’s refusal to grant unrestricted military use aligns with its stated ethical boundaries, signaling that private-sector providers may increasingly push back against configurations they deem ethically problematic. The Pentagon’s response—turning to alternative suppliers for classified workloads—illustrates how defense departments may diversify AI ecosystems to reduce risk exposure, while maintaining capability in sensitive operations.

The tension also touches on the competitive dynamics of the AI-as-a-service market. With OpenAI reportedly stepping in to provide models for classified networks, the sector is likely to witness continued experimentation and renegotiation of terms around security classifications, data governance, and supply-chain risk. The situation underscores the need for rigorous governance frameworks that can adapt to rapid technological change without compromising operational security or ethical standards.

What to watch next

Regulatory and policy updates from the Defense Department and the White House regarding AI vendor usage and security classifications.

Any new procurement or partnerships that extend AI capabilities for classified missions, including potential agreements with alternative providers to replace or supplement Anthropic’s offerings.

Public statements from Anthropic and OpenAI about the nature of deployments on secured networks and any new restrictions or guardrails.

Further details on the outcome of the earlier unrestricted-use negotiations and how that will shape future defense contracting with AI vendors.

Sources & verification

Reports about Claude’s use in a Middle East operation and the administration’s halt order, including evidence discussed with sources familiar with the matter.

Background on Anthropic’s Pentagon contract, including the multiyear arrangement worth up to $200 million and partnerships with Palantir and AWS for classified workflows.

Statements from Anthropic’s leadership and public comments on military use and ethical boundaries, including interviews and official responses to regulatory actions.

OpenAI’s deployment on classified networks and related discussions, including public discourse around a deal with the U.S. military and associated coverage.

Public discussions and social-media references connected to the OpenAI arrangement with the military, such as posts documenting industry reactions.

Anthropic’s Claude in the crosshairs: AI, ethics and policy collide in defense operations

Officials described Claude as playing a role in intelligence analysis and operational planning during a major air strike in Iran, a claim that illustrates how close AI tools have moved to battlefield decision-making. While the Trump administration moved to sever ties with Anthropic, the operational use of Claude reportedly persisted in certain commands, underscoring a disconnect between policy statements and day-to-day defense workflows. The practical reality is that AI-driven analyses, simulations, and risk assessments can slip into mission planning even as agencies reassess vendor risk and compliance requirements across departments.

The Pentagon’s prior engagement with Anthropic was substantial: a multiyear contract valued at up to $200 million and a network of partnerships, including Palantir and Amazon Web Services, that enabled Claude’s use in classified information handling and intelligence processing. The arrangement highlighted a broader strategy: diversify AI capabilities across a trusted ecosystem to ensure resilience in sensitive settings. Yet when policy directions shifted, the administration moved to reframe the vendor relationship, signaling a risk-based recalibration rather than a wholesale retreat from AI-enabled defense operations.

Behind the scenes, tensions between public policy and private sector ethics came to the fore. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly pressed Anthropic to permit unrestricted military use of its models, a request that Anthropic’s leadership rejected as crossing ethical lines the company would not cross. The firm’s stance centers on the belief that certain uses—mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons—raise profound ethical and legal concerns, and that meaningful human oversight should survive the transition from concept to execution. This position aligns with ongoing debates about how to balance rapid AI adoption with safeguards against abuse and unintended consequences.

For its part, the Pentagon did not stand still. Facing a potential supplier gap, it began lining up replacements and reportedly reached an agreement with OpenAI to deploy models on classified networks. The shift underscores a broader strategic move to ensure continuity of capability, even as vendors re-evaluate their terms for sensitive deployments. The contrast between Anthropic’s ethical boundaries and the department’s operational needs reveals a broader policy tension: how to harness transformative technology responsibly while preserving national security imperatives.

Industry observers also noted the ecosystem effects of such transitions. The AI market is evolving toward more modular, security-cleared configurations that can be swapped or upgraded as policy and risk assessments shift. The OpenAI arrangement, in particular, signals continued appetite for integrating leading models into defense networks, albeit under stringent governance and oversight. While this trajectory promises enhanced capability for military analysts and planners, it also elevates scrutiny around data handling, model interpretability, and the risk of over-reliance on automated systems for critical decisions.

Anthropic’s CEO, Dario Amodei, has argued that while AI can augment human judgment, it cannot replace it in core defense decisions. In public remarks, he reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ethical boundaries and to maintaining human control in pivotal moments. The tension between maintaining access to cutting-edge tools and upholding ethical standards is likely to shape future negotiations with federal agencies, particularly as lawmakers and regulators scrutinize AI’s role in civilian and national-security contexts.

As the landscape evolves, the broader crypto and tech communities will be watching how these policy and procurement dynamics influence the development and deployment of advanced AI systems in high-stakes environments. The episode serves as a case study in balancing rapid technological advancement with governance, oversight, and the enduring question of where human responsibility ends and automated decision-making begins.

This article was originally published as US military used Anthropic for Iran strike despite Trump’s ban: WSJ on Crypto Breaking News – your trusted source for crypto news, Bitcoin news, and blockchain updates.

On Mar 02, 2026, 02:11 AM(UTC). According to Binance Market Data, Bitcoin has dropped below 66,000 USDT and is now trading at 65,923.140625 USDT, with a narrowed 2.87% decrease in 24 hours.

The Nikkei 225 Index experienced a significant drop at the opening on March 2, falling by 879.56 points, or 1.49%, to 57,970.71 points. According to Jin10, this decline reflects ongoing market uncertainty. Meanwhile, the South Korean stock market remains closed today, adding to the regional market dynamics.

Trump Media Group is considering a strategic move to spin off its Truth Social platform into a publicly traded company through a merger with Texas Ventures Acquisition III. According to NS3.AI, the newly formed entity, SpinCo, would be listed on the stock exchange, with shares distributed to Trump Media shareholders. This initiative is part of Trump Media's broader strategy to enhance its cryptocurrency business ambitions.

On March 1, Elon Musk announced that the X platform experienced its highest usage ever. According to BlockBeats, Musk referenced a tweet from X product manager Nikita Bier, who noted that the day marked the highest traffic in the platform's history.

Aluminum prices have increased due to fears that key supply routes for producers in the Middle East may be affected by regional conflict. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the potential impact on global production, as the Middle East contributes significantly to the world's aluminum output. The uncertainty surrounding the stability of these supply chains has led to heightened market anxiety, influencing commodity prices. Analysts are closely monitoring the situation, as any prolonged disruption could have substantial implications for the aluminum market and related industries.

火星财经消息，据金十报道，上周末，由于全球传统金融市场休市，大批资金转而涌入 Polymarket 和 Kalshi 等预测市场以及 Hyperliquid 等去中心化交易所。投资者试图通过这些平台，对美以两国袭击伊朗的后续影响进行风险对冲或投机押注。然而，这场资本狂欢很快演变成了一场舆论风暴。 上周六，社交平台 X 上开始涌现大量质疑声，指控部分内部人士利用对军事打击的提前知情权，在预测市场上大肆牟利。面对抨击，白宫发言人在回应媒体时辩称，“指导特朗普政府决策的唯一特殊利益，就是美国人民的最大利益。”事实上，针对利用国际冲突进行内幕押注的打击行动在全球部分地区已经展开。 面对指责，Kalshi 首席执行官 Tarek Mansour 辩护称，将退还用户参与上述争议市场产生的所有手续费，而在哈梅内伊身亡前建立的头寸，将按最后交易价格进行强制结算。然而，这一“强平”决定并未平息风波，许多用户反而在社交平台上抱怨自己被平台摆了一道。

火星财经消息，3 月 2 日，随着美伊冲突升级，传统金融市场周末休市之际，加密衍生品平台 Hyperliquid 成为投资者对冲大宗商品风险的核心场所。 据彭博社报道，在 2 月 28 日冲突爆发前后，大量加密交易员涌入 Hyperliquid，交易与原油、黄金等挂钩的永续合约，以应对地缘政治冲击。由于永续合约无到期日且支持 24/7 连续交易，在传统市场关闭期间成为唯一可用的实时对冲工具。 此前，投资机构高管 Avi Felman 曾预判，「Hyperliquid 对基金经理而言将变得不可或缺，因为其 24/7 不停盘。」在本轮中东危机中，这一判断得到验证——当全球主流商品与外汇市场休市时，加密期货市场承担起价格发现与风险对冲功能。 分析认为，此类「战时流动性测试」正在强化加密衍生品市场在全球宏观风险体系中的角色定位。

U.S. equity futures have decreased by approximately 60 basis points following earlier declines of over 1%. Bespoke Investment Group posted on X. Meanwhile, oil prices are stable, hovering around $70.

Airline stocks experienced a significant decline on Monday as travel disruptions extended throughout the Middle East and beyond. Bloomberg posted on X that carriers across the Persian Gulf have prolonged widespread flight suspensions, contributing to the ongoing chaos. The situation has led to increased uncertainty in the aviation sector, affecting investor confidence and causing a ripple effect in global markets. The extended suspensions are a response to escalating tensions in the region, which have raised concerns over safety and operational viability for airlines. As the situation develops, airlines are closely monitoring the geopolitical landscape to determine the best course of action for resuming operations. The impact of these disruptions is expected to continue influencing airline stock performance in the near term.

Tarek Mansour, the co-founder of prediction market Kalshi, provided an update, following the platform’s decision to void some positions that were opened after the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was confirmed.

“We don’t list markets directly tied to death. When there are markets where potential outcomes involve death, we design the rules to prevent people from profiting from death. That is what we did here,” Mansour said in a post on X.

Iranian state media reported the death early Sunday, after an attack launched by Israel and the United States a day earlier.

Kalshi is reimbursing all fees from the “Ali Khamenei out as Supreme Leader” market, and will pay traders with positions open before Khamenei died according to the “last-traded price before his death,” Mansour said. 

Additionally, users who opened positions after the death of Khamenei were reimbursed the difference between the higher price paid for entry and the last traded price.

Source: Tarek Mansour

A Kalshi spokesperson told Cointelegraph that the platform’s policy on not allowing “death markets” is clear and long-standing.

The platform reiterated the policy on Saturday, and Mansour said that the death carveout stipulations were clearly stated in the rules for the market. However, the decision sparked backlash from users online, who accused the platform of curtailing user profits.

The prediction market for the ouster of the Iranian Supreme Leader. Source: Kalshi

Related: Kalshi bans US politician over alleged insider trading violation

Suspicions of insider trading activity on prediction market platforms rise amid geopolitical tensions

In February, six traders on rival prediction market Polymarket netted about $1 million betting that the US would initiate a strike on Iran before the end of the month.

All six wallets were created in February, mostly bet on markets related to a strike on Iran, and some of the positions were filled hours before the first explosions were heard over the Iranian capital of Tehran, according to Bloomberg.

The trading patterns raised suspicion of insider trading activity among onchain investigators and analysts.

In January, US President Donald Trump announced that the individual who leaked information tied to the raid and capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro had been arrested by US law enforcement.

The comments fueled speculation from onchain analysis platform Lookonchain that the leaker Trump was referencing may have been linked to winning bets on Polymarket placed shortly before the US raid in Caracas.

Magazine: Astrology could make you a better crypto trader: It has been foretold

The US dollar's longstanding reputation as a safe haven is under increasing scrutiny, according to Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel. Bloomberg posted on X that Nagel highlighted concerns over the currency's weakening position in global markets. This shift raises questions about the dollar's future role in international finance. Nagel's comments come amid broader discussions about the stability and reliability of traditional safe-haven assets. The evolving economic landscape and geopolitical tensions are contributing to the reassessment of the dollar's status. As global markets continue to navigate uncertainties, the dollar's role remains a focal point for financial analysts and policymakers.

Soybean oil prices have reached their highest level in over two years, driven by an increase in crude oil prices. Bloomberg posted on X that the surge follows recent military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran over the weekend. The strikes have heightened geopolitical tensions, impacting global oil markets and subsequently influencing the price of soybean oil. The rise in crude oil prices often affects soybean oil due to its use as a biofuel, linking the two commodities closely. This development highlights the interconnected nature of global markets and the impact of geopolitical events on commodity prices.

According to data from Dune, Polymarket's nominal trading volume reached $2.38 billion last week, surpassing Kalshi's $2.3 billion for the first time since November last year. According to Odaily, Polymarket currently holds the top position in the prediction market sector with a 44.5% market share, followed by Kalshi at 43.1%, and Opinion at 6.8%.

Additionally, Polymarket achieved record highs in both daily and monthly trading volumes.

On March 2, an analyst known as @alicharts shared insights on Bitcoin's market trends. According to BlockBeats, the analyst highlighted a 'death cross' on Bitcoin's three-day candlestick chart, where the 50 and 200 simple moving averages intersected on February 27. Historically, this signal often suggests the final downturn phase of a bear market.

The article references historical data since 2014, noting that Bitcoin typically experiences a decline of approximately 50% following the appearance of this indicator in each bear market cycle.

Tron experienced the highest net increase in stablecoin supply in February, according to PANews. Data from Artemis, cited by Cointelegraph, indicates that Tron saw a $1.6 billion rise in stablecoin supply, surpassing other platforms. In contrast, Ethereum recorded the largest decrease in stablecoin supply during the same period.

摩根士丹利（Morgan Stanley）對加密貨幣的野心正進入全速衝刺階段。根據《彭博社》報導，這家華爾街巨擘已申請設立一家全新的「國家信託銀行」，旨在為旗下投資客戶提供數位資產託管、交易，甚至是頗具收益吸引力的質押服務。

根據美國貨幣監理署（OCC）官網資料顯示，摩根士丹利已於 2 月 18 日以「摩根士丹利數位信託（Morgan Stanley Digital Trust）」的名義提交執照申請。

雖然目前公開的資訊尚未揭露更多業務細節，但這項動作無疑向市場宣告：摩根士丹利正從過去的審慎觀望，轉向全面擁抱數位資產，並試圖建立自家的「加密護城河」。

上個月，摩根士丹利特別提拔了資深高管 Amy Oldenburg 出任新設立的「數位資產戰略主管」一職，統籌全球加密貨幣布局；今年稍早，該行更領先同業，申請推出比特幣、 Solana（SOL）和以太幣現貨 ETF，並透露今年內將推出自主研發的數位錢包。

摩根士丹利向美國 OCC 提交的申請是在多家加密貨幣原生公司獲得有條件批准之後提出的，其中包括最近的 Crypto.com 和 Stripe 的子公司 Bridge 。更早之前，OCC 於去年 12 月一次性有條件批准了 Ripple 、 Circle 、 BitGo 、 Fidelity Digital Assets 和 Paxos 的申請。

〈摩根士丹利搶攻加密貨幣商機：申請銀行執照以提供「質押、託管」服務〉這篇文章最早發佈於《區塊客》。

Ethereum founder Vitalik Buterin has said he hopes artificial intelligence could help the company fast-track the Ethereum roadmap. In his statement, Buterin mentioned that AI assisted them in creating the 2030 roadmap in just two weeks, a process that would normally take years.

In his post on X, Buterin called the experiment “impressive,” noting that the technology speeds up coding. However, he cautioned that anything built within such a short period, without the Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs), could have shortcomings, with some features existing only as incomplete stubs. Even with the mistakes, he said, the real takeaway should be in the AI trend itself.

Buterin hails the assistance from AI

In the post, Buterin explained that he experimented with agentic coding on his blog software and completed it in only an hour, stressing that the best way to use AI is to balance its benefits, accelerating development while enhancing security through test-case generation, formal verification, and multiple implementations. He also claimed that AI can help with formal verification and generate far more test cases.

The Ethereum founder also noted that AI speeds up coding, but it doesn’t eliminate the need to fix bugs and inconsistencies. But he expects that the Ethereum 2030 roadmap will be completed much faster with artificial intelligence, because those challenges can now be tackled more quickly. “People should be open to the possibility (not certainty! possibility) that the Ethereum roadmap will finish much faster than people expect, at a much higher standard of security than people expect,” he said.

Buterin also contended that there is still the prospect of error-free software, something most people once saw as an unrealistic dream. He also emphasized that that type of software would be critical for trustless systems, though total security cannot exist because it would mean your code perfectly mirrors all the information in your mind. Meanwhile, Buterin also shared on Saturday that Ethereum would implement account abstraction in the Hegota upgrade within a year.

Ethereum reveals new plans as part of Hegota upgrade

He recalled that the concept dated back to discussions in 2016. He explained that EIP-8141 is an all-encompassing proposal designed to resolve the remaining issues with account abstraction, with deployment scheduled for this year. In addition, he asserted they’ve been working on the project for over a decade, thus implementing it within a year. He also assured the community that the core framework is deliberately simple and broadly functional and will be centered on frame transactions.

He also pointed out that users could settle gas fees in other tokens through paymaster contracts or automated decentralized exchanges. The Ethereum founder added, “Intermediary minimization is a core principle of non-ugly cypherpunk Ethereum: maximize what you can do even if all the world’s infrastructure except the Ethereum chain itself goes down.”

He also highlighted that privacy-focused platforms like Railgun and Tornado Cash could replace public broadcasters, which he described as a major source of user experience friction. Additionally, he noted that the new framework could be applied to existing Ethereum accounts, enabling them to perform batch transactions and support sponsored fees. His remarks come at a time when ETH is 60% below its 2025 high, with some analysts warning the asset could drop below its $2,000 support this month.

The post Vitalik Buterin backs AI to fast-track Ethereum roadmap amid ETH slump first appeared on Coinfea.

Indonesia's central bank has announced its intervention in the foreign-exchange markets due to the impact of the US-Israeli conflict on currency sentiment. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting the bank's efforts to stabilize the rupiah amid geopolitical tensions. The central bank's actions aim to mitigate the adverse effects on the currency, which has been under pressure due to the ongoing conflict. The intervention reflects the bank's commitment to maintaining financial stability in the face of external challenges.

The Indian rupee experienced a decline against the U.S. dollar, dropping below the 91 mark for the first time in a month. According to Jin10, this movement in the currency market reflects ongoing volatility and economic pressures. The rupee's depreciation comes amid broader concerns about inflation and monetary policy adjustments. Analysts are closely monitoring the situation as it may impact trade and investment flows in the region. The currency's performance is seen as a key indicator of economic health, and its fluctuations are watched by investors and policymakers alike.

Crypto KOL Simon Hayes posted on X that an Amazon data center in the United Arab Emirates was reportedly bombed during Iranian strikes. The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of international infrastructure in the region. Details about the extent of the damage and any potential casualties remain unclear at this time. Authorities are expected to investigate the situation further to assess the impact and ensure the safety of other facilities in the area.

On March 2, Arthur Hayes released an article titled 'iOS Warfare,' analyzing the potential connections between U.S. military actions in Iran, Federal Reserve policies, and the crypto market. According to BlockBeats, Hayes highlighted historical patterns where the Federal Reserve has often responded to U.S. military actions in the Middle East, such as the 1990 Gulf War and the 2001 'War on Terror,' by lowering interest rates or increasing liquidity to mitigate economic impacts.

Hayes suggested that if U.S. President Donald Trump's administration continues to escalate tensions with Iran, the resulting fiscal pressure and market volatility could provide the Federal Reserve with 'political cover' to implement rate cuts or resume easing policies. He argued that the longer and costlier the conflict, the higher the likelihood of the Federal Reserve relaxing monetary policy, which typically benefits risk assets, including Bitcoin.

In terms of trading strategy, Hayes advised investors to 'wait for signals,' specifically to increase their allocation in Bitcoin and high-risk crypto assets like HYPE only after the Federal Reserve clearly indicates a rate cut or initiates a new round of easing.

El Salvador has increased its Bitcoin holdings by 30 BTC over the past 30 days, bringing its total to 7,577.37 BTC. According to Foresight News, this acquisition reflects the country's ongoing commitment to cryptocurrency investments. The total value of El Salvador's Bitcoin holdings is approximately $504 million.

Uniswap founder Hayden Adams has expressed concerns over the closure of the Dubai Stock Exchange until further notice. According to Foresight News, Adams tweeted that prohibiting trading limits consumer choice and emphasized the importance of maintaining access to liquidity during such times. He stressed that financial systems must remain operational and accessible to meet people's needs.

Ripple unlocked another 1 billion tokens this morning from its XRP escrow account. As reported byWhale Alert, the release of 1 billion XRP, equivalent to more than $1.377 billion, occurred in three tranches: 200, 300 and 500 million XRP were unlocked step by step from the San Francisco-based blockchain company’s escrow accounts.

🔓 🔓 🔓 🔓 🔓 🔓 🔓 🔓 🔓 🔓 500,000,000 #XRP (688,880,546 USD) unlocked at #Ripplehttps://t.co/gilwkVVkVF

— Whale Alert (@whale_alert) March 1, 2026

Ripple's XRP holdings and February performance: Recap

According toXRPL Services, the company currently continues to hold around 32.91 billion XRP. This accounts for approximately 32% of the token’s total supply and, at current prices, is equivalent to more than $45.3 billion. As is known, the unlocking takes place to boost liquidity, manage the market and support the gradual release ofXRP from the wallets.

For XRP itself, at the time of release the price showed almost no reaction, with only a 0.9% increase from the day’s opening. In this context, the February figures, which have just closed, are more interesting as the month ended with XRP down 16.45%. At the peak of February’s decline, the drop reached 33%.

The month was short, yet during this period theprice of XRP still managed to experience such turbulence as to fall 33% from the monthly opening and then recover by 22%. The token continues to trade near the key $1.4 level, although it has not reached it.

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Historically, March has been a more favorable month for XRP, given its average return of 16.7% during this month. However, the median value remains in negative territory, so it is difficult to speak of any clear preference for the token in the new month. It also remains to be seen how many XRP tokens will be returned back to escrow accounts. Usually, this amount ranges from 200 to 300 million tokens.

Japan's manufacturing sector showed signs of growth in February, with the Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) reaching a final value of 53. According to Jin10, this marks an increase from the previous month's figure of 52.8, indicating an expansion in manufacturing activity. The PMI is a key economic indicator, reflecting the health of the manufacturing sector, with values above 50 signaling growth. This rise suggests a positive outlook for Japan's manufacturing industry, contributing to the overall economic recovery.

South Korea's trade data reveals a significant increase in exports for February, with a year-on-year growth of 29%, surpassing market expectations of 24%. According to RTHK, this marks the ninth consecutive month of export growth. Imports, however, rose by 7.5%, which was below the anticipated 13% increase. During this period, the preliminary trade surplus was recorded at $15.51 billion.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy of South Korea attributed the robust export performance to strong demand driven by investments in artificial intelligence and rising memory prices. This demand led to a 160% increase in semiconductor exports, setting a new monthly record. For three consecutive months, export values have exceeded $20 billion.

JPMorgan analysts anticipate that the CLARITY Act, a U.S. crypto market structure bill, will receive approval by mid-year, potentially serving as a catalyst for the crypto market later in the year. According to NS3.AI, the bill is currently advancing through the House and undergoing Senate review. It aims to clarify regulatory frameworks and encourage institutional participation. Key impacts of the bill include simplifying compliance for major tokens, allowing banks to custody digital assets, and promoting innovation and tokenization of real-world assets.

Ethereum's price fluctuations could lead to substantial liquidations on major cryptocurrency exchanges. According to ChainCatcher, data from Coinglass indicates that if Ethereum surpasses $2,044, the cumulative liquidation intensity of short positions on mainstream centralized exchanges will reach $671 million. Conversely, if Ethereum falls below $1,850, the cumulative liquidation intensity of long positions will amount to $338 million.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to significantly disrupt Japan's labor market, according to the leader of an emerging opposition party. Bloomberg posted on X that the party is concentrating on the technological implications, warning that AI could increase the number of people living on low incomes. The party leader emphasized the need for policies that address these challenges and ensure that technological advancements benefit all segments of society. The focus is on creating a balanced approach to AI integration that safeguards employment opportunities and economic stability.

Treasury yields experienced an uptick across the curve as diplomatic signals between the United States and Iran reduced the demand for safe-haven assets. Bloomberg posted on X, highlighting that the conciliatory messages from both nations have influenced investor sentiment, leading to a shift away from traditionally secure investments. This development comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, with market participants closely monitoring the situation for further updates.

Solana led major cryptocurrencies, especially those in the top 10 by market valuation, with an 11% bounce as the crypto market rebounded ahead of traditional futures opening on Sunday.

Crypto prices rebounded sharply on Sunday, as traders bought the dip following Saturday's crash, which saw over $500 million in liquidations. The market added $32 billion in market value by Sunday morning, after shedding about $128 billion the previous day, according to data from CoinGecko.

Solana led the recovery among majors, rising 11% to an intraday high of $88.89. At the time of writing, Solana was up 9.22% in the last 24 hours to $85.30 and down 0.41% weekly.

Despite the rebound in the markets, weekly performance across most digital assets remains mixed, with thin liquidity and upcoming moves in the equities market likely to determine whether this bounce continues.

The market saw a sell-off toward the weekend as investors reacted to global headlines and hotter-than-expected U.S. producer price data.

The recent rebound looks convincing on a 24-hour chart but might be fragile. Saturday's market drop coincided with thin weekend liquidity, and the same with Sunday's rebound.

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Some observers believe Sunday’s mild bounce is a sign that crypto markets are looking past global headlines and traders are positioning for an extended recovery in prices.

Cryptocurrency traders, however, remain on the lookout for a bottom as a recovery in prices on Sunday remains limited.

Solana news

Solana reversed a two-day drop, rising from a low of $77.13 on Feb. 28. The rise reached an intraday high of $88.89 on Friday, with the next focus now on $105, which coincides with the daily MA 50.

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According to Alicharts, Solana appears to be forming a flag pattern, but it must stay above $76.

The past week was significant for Solana with the launch of payments.org, a key milestone for Solana as stablecoin payments move into the mainstream. SoFi announced support for Solana deposits, becoming the first U.S. chartered bank to do so. Tethergold (XAUT) volume on Solana rose to a new seven-day ATH of $78 million.

Standard Chartered analyst Geoffrey Kendrick recently stated that stablecoin micropayments could drive a longer-term surge as Solana moves beyond meme coins, but trimmed his 2026 SOL forecast to $250 from $310.

USDT Stablecoin issuer, Tether, has disclosed that it has frozen approximately $4.2 billion worth of its USDT tokens sine 2023 because they were tied to criminal activity in a sign of growing cooperation with law enforcement as authorities clamp down on misuse of cryptocurrency.

Tether  has the technical ability to remotely block tokens held in users’ wallets at the request of police and regulators. Most of the freezes have occurred over the past three years reflecting increased scrutiny of crypto’s role in illicit finance.

A classic example was the November 2023 freeze which waw ~$225 million was frozen in external self-custodied wallets linked to an international human trafficking syndicate in Southeast Asia.

MILESTONE | Tether Voluntarily Freezes $225 Million in Stolen USDT – The Largest Ever Freeze of USDT in History

Tether said it recently assisted the U.S. Department of Justice in freezing nearly $61 million in USDT linked to ‘pig-butchering‘ scams, a type of fraud in which criminals build trust with victims before tricking them into sending money. That action was part of the total frozen amount,of which roughly $3.5 billion has been blocked since 2023.

CRYPTO CRIME | Binance Processed Over 70,000 Law-Enforcement Requests Worldwide in 2025 Alone

In earlier cases, Tether also blocked wallets allegedly tied to human trafficking, sanctioned groups and wartime actors, including reportedly freezing funds related to the Russian crypto exchange, Garantex.

The moves come as global regulators, particularly the Financial Action Task Force (FATF),  push for stronger rules on crypto crime and anti-money-laundering amid wider concerns about the sector’s use in fraud, sanctions evasion and other illegal activity.

Recent research shows crypto-related money laundering grew sharply in recent years, underlining the challenge for both industry and authorities.

2025 RECAP | Illicit Stablecoin Activity Surged to 5-Year High in 2025 with Over 80% Used for Sanctions Evasion

 

 

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