Bitcoin Dips Below $100K Amid Geopolitical Turmoil, But Arthur Hayes Says “This Weakness Shall Pass”

Bitcoin briefly fell below the $100,000 mark for the first time in over a month, but BitMEX co-founder Arthur Hayes believes the dip is temporary, driven by short-term geopolitical fears.

Bitcoin (BTC) prices slipped to a six-week low over the weekend, touching just under $98,500 following reports of a U.S. airstrike on Iranian nuclear facilities. The escalation in tensions between Israel and Iran weighed heavily on global markets, with Bitcoin not immune to the fallout.

However, the sub-$100K drop didn’t last long. During early Asian trading hours on Monday, BTC quickly bounced back above $101,000, showing signs of resilience in the face of macro uncertainty.

Arthur Hayes: Bitcoin Will Reclaim Its Safe Haven Status

Arthur Hayes, co-founder of crypto derivatives platform BitMEX, took to X (formerly Twitter) to offer his perspective on the situation, writing that the "weakness shall pass" and that Bitcoin will reassert itself as a global safe haven asset.

He pointed to ongoing and expected central bank money printing as a key driver for future Bitcoin price strength.

“Bitcoin will leave no doubt as to its safe haven status,” Hayes stated, reflecting confidence in the long-term macro narrative despite short-term volatility.

Analysts Watch Key Support Levels

While Hayes remains bullish, other analysts urge caution. According to Markus Thielen, head of research at 10x Research, the market is in a critical range. In a note to Cointelegraph, he said that Bitcoin must hold above the short-term realized price of $98,000 and the $102,000 trend support to maintain bullish momentum.

Source: Arthur Hayes

If BTC fails to stay above this range, Thielen warns, “risk management becomes crucial,” especially in the absence of fresh upside catalysts.

Bitcoin has been in a five-week consolidation zone, unable to sustain breakouts above $110,000 due to repeated macroeconomic and geopolitical shocks — including rising tariffs in May and the Israel–Iran conflict in June.

“Bitcoin hasn’t behaved like a risk-off asset in recent months,” Thielen added, suggesting that traditional safe haven status might be under reevaluation in today’s market.

Summer Sideways Action Likely

Thielen expects Bitcoin to continue trading sideways throughout the summer months, barring any significant new catalysts. This suggests that investors may need to temper expectations in the near term while the market absorbs ongoing macro pressures.

Institutions Remain Bullish

Despite recent volatility, institutional confidence appears to remain intact. Eugene Cheung, Chief Commercial Officer at digital asset platform OSL, emphasized that Bitcoin’s quick rebound signals strong structural demand.

“BTC’s resilience following geopolitical shocks reflects ongoing institutional interest and long-term bullish outlook,”.

He also noted that both Bitcoin and Ethereum (ETH) are showing underlying strength amid increased market sensitivity to geopolitical and economic headlines.

BTC dips and recovers. Source: BTC $101,485

Altcoins Eye Potential Rotation

With Bitcoin dominating market headlines, altcoins may be gearing up for their moment. According to Nick Ruck, director at LVRG Research, there’s growing strength in the altcoin sector — and it could soon diverge from Bitcoin’s price action.

“If macro conditions begin to stabilize, altcoins might outperform Bitcoin in the coming months,” Ruck said, pointing to emerging crypto-native catalysts.

Still, most altcoins were trading in the red at press time, with the total crypto market cap slipping 1.5% over 12 hours to $3.21 trillion, according to CoinGecko.

Final Thoughts

While Bitcoin’s dip below $100,000 raised eyebrows, market analysts like Arthur Hayes remain confident this correction is short-lived. With central bank policies and geopolitical shifts continuing to shape the financial landscape, Bitcoin’s role as a hedge and institutional asset remains firmly in focus.

As the market looks for clarity this summer, traders may find opportunities in both Bitcoin’s consolidation and potential altcoin rotations.3

Disclaimer: The content on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. We do not endorse any project or product. Readers should conduct their own research and assume full responsibility for their decisions. We are not liable for any loss or damage arising from reliance on the information provided. Crypto investments carry risks.