Bitcoin Dips Below $91,000, Down 1.56% in 24 Hours

March 6th — Iranian media outlet Fars News reported that Iran launched a broad attack on U.S. and Israeli targets. On the same day, Iran’s mission to the United Nations stated the claim that Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz is completely unfounded. Meanwhile, Israel’s ambassador to the UN said, “Give us a few more days, and Iran will find it even harder to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.” (Source: Jinse)

On March 5 local time, Iran’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations issued a social media post refuting claims that Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, calling the allegations baseless and completely absurd. Iran has consistently abided by international law and upheld freedom of navigation, the mission emphasized. The post also accused the U.S. of being the real threat to maritime security: Just yesterday, the Iranian frigate *Jamaran* — on a naval visit to India with 130 sailors aboard — was unjustly sunk by a U.S. submarine in international waters roughly 2,000 miles from Iran’s coast. Over 100 sailors were killed in the attack. “This reckless act violates fundamental principles of international law and freedom of navigation,” the mission stated.

On Thursday, March 6, European stock markets closed lower as escalating geopolitical tensions sustained risk-off sentiment. Key indices posted declines as follows: - Germany’s DAX 30: Finished at 23,799.28, off 416.98 points (1.72%) - UK’s FTSE 100: Closed at 10,412.89, down 154.76 points (1.46%) - France’s CAC 40: Ended at 8,045.80, lower by 121.93 points (1.49%) - Europe’s Euro Stoxx 50: Closed at 5,781.50, off 89.42 points (1.52%) - Spain’s IBEX 35: Finished at 17,219.87, down 271.33 points (1.55%) - Italy’s FTSE MIB: Ended at 44,642.50, lower by 694.38 points (1.53%)

On March 6, former President Donald Trump said in a Thursday interview that he believes he needs to personally weigh in on choosing Iran’s next leader—drawing a parallel to his approach in Venezuela, per AXIOS. Trump noted Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the assassinated top Iranian leader, is the most likely successor—but emphasized he finds that outcome unacceptable. The Iranian regime has delayed announcing the Supreme Leader’s successor for days, though statements from Iranian political figures Thursday hinted an announcement could come soon. “They’re wasting time. Khamenei’s son is a nobody,” Trump said. “I have to get involved in the appointment process like I did with Diosdado Cabello in Venezuela.” He added he will not accept any new Iranian leader who continues Khamenei’s policies, warning that would force the U.S. to “go back to war within five years.” (Golden Finance)

March 6 — According to CCTV News, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the Israeli Air Force has conducted a new round of airstrikes on targets in the Iranian capital Tehran. The IDF noted this marks the 13th airstrike on Tehran since the current conflict began, and the second of the day.

March 6 — Ali Shamkhani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said in a March 5 social media post that Iran is ready to counter U.S. ground operations. He noted Iran is well aware some U.S. officials are planning ground actions in Iran, but the country is prepared and will go to great lengths to "embarrass those U.S. officials" at all costs. (Instagram/IG)