Tensions in Iran fail to stop capital inflows: Bitcoin ETF attracts $458 million in a single day, BTC nears $68,000

On March 3, news reports indicate that despite the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Bitcoin markets are showing clear signs of capital inflow. Data shows that Bitcoin prices briefly approached $68,000 on Tuesday, and the US spot Bitcoin ETF saw approximately $458 million in capital inflows, making it one of the largest single-day inflows of the quarter in 2026.

Statistics from SoSoValue reveal that although conflicts related to Iran continue, institutional funds have not significantly withdrawn from the crypto market. Instead, they have continued to position during price volatility. Some market analysts interpret this trend as institutional investors viewing recent fluctuations as short-term risks rather than systemic shocks.

Singapore-based trading firm QCP Capital stated in a recent research report that geopolitical news over the weekend triggered about $300 million in Bitcoin long liquidations, but this scale remains within manageable limits. The firm believes that overall leverage levels in the market have decreased significantly over the past few weeks, so the chain reaction risks from sudden events are relatively limited.

The derivatives market also shows similar signals. QCP Capital disclosed that the one-day implied volatility of short-term options once surged to 93%, but then quickly retreated. This change indicates that traders are mainly hedging against event risks rather than betting on prolonged conflict escalation or widespread diffusion.

Meanwhile, recent capital flows into US spot Bitcoin ETFs remain strong. According to previously disclosed data, last week these ETFs attracted about $1.1 billion over three consecutive trading days, with BlackRock’s IBIT products accounting for nearly half of the share, demonstrating ongoing increased allocations by major asset managers to Bitcoin.

Market observers believe that as global macro uncertainties rise, Bitcoin is gradually being viewed by some institutions as an alternative asset to hedge geopolitical risks. With institutional funds continuing to flow through ETF channels, the structure of the crypto market is also gradually changing.

In the short term, the Middle East situation may still cause price fluctuations, but ETF capital inflows, derivatives hedging, and decreasing leverage are providing some stability support for Bitcoin markets.