[News Brief] Apr 22, morning | Possibility of President Trump deciding on an attack on Iran emerges as a geopolitical risk

Reports that President Trump may be nearing a decision on a large-scale attack on Iran have pushed geopolitical risk into focus as a potential driver of volatility in cryptocurrencies and oil prices. Whether such a decision will actually be made, and the specific timing, remain unconfirmed.

Crypto Briefing reported that President Trump is approaching a decision on a large-scale attack against Iran. The report also mentioned rising geopolitical tensions alongside global market stability, inflation, central bank policy, and crypto-asset volatility. Based on currently confirmed information, no specific figures on price movements in cryptocurrencies or international oil markets have been verified. The market impact requires further confirmation.

A report was filed that a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz was hit by a projectile and that explosions occurred near the vessel.

Crypto Briefing relayed this based on a report from the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The report did not include further details on the extent of damage to the vessel, the safety of the crew, or the party responsible for the attack. Crypto Briefing said the incident could weigh on the global oil supply chain and confidence in shipping operations. The actual impact on oil prices and financial markets requires further confirmation.

Claims have emerged that cumulative losses from additional attacks targeting addresses generated by Coldcard have risen to 1,367.05 bitcoin (BTC), about $88.6 million KRW 122 billion, across an estimated 4,585 addresses.

The Galaxy Research account on X said that 207.7294 BTC was stolen in a third wave of attacks targeting Coldcard-generated addresses. The account put the total identified losses so far at 1,367.05 BTC across 4,585 addresses. Earlier, Galaxy Research had said in related findings that 1,196 addresses had been completely drained, with a combined 1,082.65 BTC, or more than $70 million KRW 96.6 billion, stolen. It added that the attack took place in just 41 minutes and about 30 hours before Coldcard’s official warning.

Spot bitcoin (BTC) ETFs saw net outflows of $265 million in a single day. Over the same period, ethereum (ETH)-related funds recorded net inflows of $9 million, though analysts said the inflows were concentrated in a specific BlackRock product.

CryptoSlate reported that bitcoin ETFs recorded $265 million in net outflows over 24 hours. The outlet said BlackRock’s ETHB attracted $15.4 million, helping keep total flows for ethereum funds in positive territory. Since ETHB inflows exceeded the aggregate net inflow, this suggests outflows from other ethereum products. More confirmation is needed before concluding that capital broadly rotated from bitcoin into ethereum.

About $7 billion in stablecoins has reportedly flowed out of Binance. Even as stablecoin liquidity declines, bitcoin (BTC) has been showing resilience.

AmbCrypto reported that declining stablecoin liquidity and expanding cross-border capital flows are reshaping the demand structure of the crypto market. The outlet added that BTC has remained relatively firm amid this trend.

Cryptocurrency worth about $282 million, including bitcoin (BTC) and litecoin (LTC), was stolen in a scam impersonating Trezor customer support.

Odaily reported the incident. The scammers are understood to have approached victims while posing as Trezor’s official customer support team. More detailed information, including the exact timing and circumstances of the theft, has not yet been confirmed.

Strategy, a corporate holder of bitcoin (BTC), posted an $8.2 billion loss in the second quarter, while Coinbase revenue fell 19%.

CryptoPotato reported that despite the quarterly loss, Strategy continued increasing its bitcoin holdings and reducing outstanding convertible debt. The results highlighted, within the same quarter, both expanding bitcoin holdings and slowing exchange revenue. More confirmation is needed on the reasons behind Coinbase’s revenue decline and the factors driving Strategy’s loss.

Reports said South Korea’s 22% tax on virtual asset income is scheduled to take effect in 2027. They also said trading volume at the country’s five major exchanges fell 54.6% year over year in the first half.

BlockTempo reported that the South Korean government had finalized 2027 as the start date for the 22% tax on virtual asset income. The same report added that first-half trading volume at the country’s five major exchanges fell 54.6% from the same period a year earlier. The virtual asset income tax is a system under which taxes are levied on income earned from virtual asset trading. However, more confirmation is needed regarding the detailed taxation standards, the methodology used to calculate trading volume, and any direct connection between the decline in volume and the tax implementation plan.

Former U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Chair Jay Clayton will assume office as Director of National Intelligence (DNI) on Monday, the 3rd, U.S. local time. Clayton is known for leading the SEC’s securities law case against Ripple (XRP) during his tenure.

BeInCrypto reported that with Clayton’s appointment, Bill Pulte, who had been serving as acting DNI, will conclude his interim role. Pulte will then focus on crypto-friendly housing policy work.

Digital asset manager Grayscale has urged the U.S. Senate to schedule a vote on the CLARITY Act before the August recess. The firm argues that delays in the vote could weigh on U.S. competitiveness in digital assets.

Bitcoin.com News reported that Grayscale asked Senate leadership to bring the bill to a vote. The CLARITY Act would allocate oversight of the crypto market among federal regulators and establish nationwide market rules. Grayscale warned that the available window for passing the legislation is shrinking. The actual voting schedule and whether the Senate will act on the bill remain to be confirmed.