TradingKey - On the eve of the expiration of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement, Bitcoin prices rebounded and strengthened, poised to surge toward $80,000.
On April 21, Bitcoin prices broke through $76,000 in a rebound ahead of the U.S.-Iran negotiations, driving the entire cryptocurrency market higher. Today, the crypto market rose over 1%, with the total market capitalization climbing to $2.55 trillion. Specifically, Bitcoin ( BTC) and Ripple ( XRP) rose nearly 2%, while Ethereum ( ETH) and Binance Coin ( BNB) both gained over 1%.
Despite only a modest rebound in the crypto market, the scale of liquidations has been substantial. Over the past 24 hours, positions of more than 100,000 traders were liquidated, totaling $217 million, with short liquidations accounting for $140 million, or approximately 65%.
Crypto market liquidation data, Source: CoinGlass
The significant volume of short liquidations triggered by a minor cryptocurrency rebound is largely due to the volatile stance regarding Iran's participation in negotiations, which tempted traders to take short positions on the U.S.-Iran talks. Yesterday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Baghaei stated at a press conference that there are "no plans for a second round of negotiations in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan."
On April 21, sources familiar with the matter stated that Iran would send a negotiating team to Islamabad for a second round of talks with the U.S. The Associated Press, citing two Pakistani officials, also confirmed that Iran is willing to send a delegation to Islamabad this week for a new round of negotiations.
On the eve of the ceasefire's expiration, it remains uncertain whether Iran will negotiate with the U.S. Even if they do, the outcome would be even more unpredictable, leading to volatile market sentiment—shifting from optimism to immediate pessimism. Bitcoin prices have reflected this volatility in recent days, plummeting after breaking $78,000 on April 17, falling to $73,000 on April 19, and now rebounding back above $76,000.
Bitcoin price chart, Source: TradingView
Currently, Iran has accused the U.S. of a lack of sincerity in negotiations and has not explicitly agreed to participate, nor has it refused. Meanwhile, the U.S. speaks of negotiations while issuing threats; perhaps both sides are waiting for the other to yield to gain more leverage. U.S. President Trump stated, "They [Iran] will negotiate; if they don't, they will face problems like they've never seen before."
Although the outlook for negotiations remains uncertain, the rebound in Bitcoin prices suggests that investors are relatively optimistic and confident in the talks. Moving forward, should any positive signals regarding a ceasefire extension or the opening of the strait emerge from Islamabad, Bitcoin prices are highly likely to challenge the $80,000 psychological barrier before the end of April.