Bitcoin bulls gave up their latest mission to reclaim $70,000 as Iran escalation sparked oil supply fears that gripped stocks and gold.

Stronger-than-expected US manufacturing data lifted Bitcoin toward $70,000, even as US stocks struggled amid geopolitical uncertainty.

Bitcoin avoided an Iran sell-off to start March, but traders still expected BTC price support to give way in bearish market conditions.

Bitcoin avoided a fresh breakdown around major geopolitical events in the Middle East, with BTC price targets now including $74,000 next.

Bitcoin faced geopolitical instability alone as a weekend move on Iran saw traditional markets closed, with key support still holding.