Geopolitics

Gate News reports that on March 26, a senior Iranian official stated that there are currently no arrangements for negotiations, and any dialogue plans at this stage seem unrealistic. The official also said that diplomacy has not stopped, and if the United States can return to realism, there may still be a way forward.

According to OECD forecasts, the Middle East war is driving up global inflation and weakening the economy, with the US inflation rate expected to reach 4.2%. Central banks around the world are becoming more cautious with monetary policy; the Federal Reserve may delay interest rate cuts, while the European Central Bank might raise rates. The energy crisis has become a major obstacle to the global economy.

The temporary halt in military action initiated by Donald Trump is approaching its deadline, raising fresh concerns across global markets. The pause was originally introduced to create space for diplomatic discussions aimed at reducing tensions involving Iran. As the deadline nears, uncertainty

The White House’s Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) has completed its review of a Department of Labor (DOL) proposal that could reshape how 401(k) fiduciaries evaluate alternative assets, including digital-asset exposure. The OIRA’s website shows the review concluded on

U.S. prosecutors have indicted Chinese companies and nationals for supplying fentanyl precursors and facilitating payments via cryptocurrency. The case, linked to global networks and targeting international smuggling, highlights the role of stablecoin flows in the drug trade.

Barclays Bank recommends investors to stay invested and buy on dips amid the US-Iran conflict and rising oil prices. Although the S&P 500 has fallen about 4.2% this month, corporate earnings remain solid, and fundamentals are still stronger than market sentiment. Short-term market pressure is expected to ease, and long-term outlook remains bullish.

The White House Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs has reviewed the Department of Labor's proposal to include alternative assets, including digital assets, in 401(k) plans. This move implements the executive order from former President Trump and signals a shift in the federal government's attitude toward digital assets. The Department of Labor will initiate a public comment period and plans to introduce new regulations in the future.

Gate News reports that on March 26, French President Emmanuel Macron will attend and speak at Paris Blockchain Week, held at the Louvre Caroussel from April 15 to 16, 2026. The speech will cover three main topics: the adoption of stablecoins and digital assets, and Europe's role in the institutional digital economy. Additionally, senior French government officials actively involved in shaping MiCA (EU Crypto Asset Market Regulation), stablecoin regulation, and European digital infrastructure policies will also attend the event.

Gate News reports that on March 26, according to market sources, Russian President Vladimir Putin made a statement on the Middle East situation. Putin said that the consequences of the Middle East conflict are difficult to predict, and Russia must stay strong and united in facing the challenges. Additionally, Putin remains cautious and conservative regarding the rise in oil prices.

Investors are selling stocks and bonds to avoid the risks of Iran war, increasing their cash holdings to a six-year high. JPMorgan Chase indicates that geopolitical uncertainties will continue to impact the stock and bond markets, although cash levels remain relatively moderate.

The cryptocurrency advocacy organization Stand With Crypto launched the "Voter Hub" platform on March 26, to help digital asset users understand candidates' positions on crypto, and to publish lists of supportive and opposing members of Congress. Polls show that about 60% of crypto holders do not consistently support a particular party, and nearly 50% prioritize candidates' crypto stances when voting.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Christopher Hui stated that the People's Bank of China and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority are exploring upgrades to digital wallets to enhance usage limits and user experience. The digital yuan has made significant progress in Hong Kong, with a substantial increase in the number of wallets and merchant acceptance.

Gate News reports that on March 26, U.S. President Donald Trump posted on social media urging Iran to take negotiations seriously as soon as possible. Trump said that Iran's negotiating team is very different and "strange," secretly "pleading" with the U.S. to reach an agreement, but publicly claiming they are only "considering our proposals." He said this stance is wrong. Trump stated that Iran "has been militarily eliminated, with no chance of resurgence," and they should get serious soon before it's too late. Trump warned that once the situation develops to that point, there will be no turning back, and the situation won't be good.

The crypto market is poised for significant movements as $14.2 billion in Bitcoin options expire this Friday on Deribit. This event, one of the year's largest, may impact liquidity and market direction amid geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding Iran.

The proposed rule by the U.S. Department of Labor has been approved by the White House, potentially allowing cryptocurrencies and private equity to be included in 401(k) plans, aiming to change investment options in the $10 trillion market. The proposal originates from an executive order by Trump, emphasizing the facilitation of alternative investments.

The European Parliament plenary session approved the trade agreement between the EU and the United States on March 26. The agreement requires the EU to remove tariffs on American industrial products and to provide market preferences for American seafood and agricultural products, in exchange for the U.S. imposing a 15% tariff on most EU goods.

The Guangzhou Municipal People's Government has issued the "Implementation Plan for Promoting High-Quality Development of the Artificial Intelligence Industry in Guangzhou," encouraging breakthroughs in key technologies. The focus is on computing power, data, algorithms, and other areas, promoting AI chips, dynamic scheduling technology, and multimodal data fusion. The plan aims to advance automation toolchains in industrial quality inspection and financial risk control fields.

The White House has completed regulatory review of the proposed rule by the Department of Labor, aimed at allowing 401(k) plans to invest in cryptocurrencies and paving the way for their entry into the retirement market. If approved, this rule will provide new investment options for digital assets, private equity, and more, marking an increase in the prominence of digital assets within traditional finance and having a significant impact on the retirement market.

QCP Capital reports that Bitcoin is fluctuating around $70,000. The market reacts quickly to inflation shocks, but geopolitical risks still suppress risk appetite. Bitcoin shows resilience, with outflows indicating tokens being moved rather than sold off. Overall market sentiment is cautious; dips are being accumulated but there’s no chasing of rallies. It is expected to remain in a range and fluctuate in the short term.