Bitcoin Holds Above $81,000 Despite Strategy Sale Concerns
Bitcoin traded relatively steady on Wednesday, giving back part of its earlier gains after Strategy revealed it may begin selling a portion of its cryptocurrency holdings.
Despite the pullback, Bitcoin remained close to a three-month high, while the broader cryptocurrency market also stayed mostly positive amid rising hopes for a de-escalation in the U.S.-Iran conflict.
Bitcoin climbed 0.5% to $81,368.8 by 02:32 ET (06:32 GMT) after earlier reaching an intraday high of $81,718.9.
Trump Comments Support Crypto Market Sentiment
Investor sentiment improved after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Washington would pause a military operation aimed at escorting ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
The operation had previously triggered a military response from Iran, increasing geopolitical tensions across global markets.
Trump also stated that discussions with Iran were progressing positively and suggested that the temporary pause could help facilitate a broader diplomatic agreement with Tehran.
The comments followed earlier reports that Iranian officials had also signaled progress in Pakistan-mediated negotiations earlier this week.
Growing optimism surrounding a potential easing of Middle East tensions helped support risk-sensitive assets, including cryptocurrencies.
Strategy Considers Selling Bitcoin Holdings
Strategy said it is considering selling part of its massive Bitcoin reserves to help finance dividend payments and debt-related obligations.
The company currently holds approximately 818,334 bitcoins, making it one of the largest corporate Bitcoin holders in the world.
Executive Chairman Michael Saylor said the company would “probably sell some Bitcoin to fund a dividend,” while also highlighting strong demand for Strategy’s latest STRETCH preferred stock offering.
Strategy has largely financed its Bitcoin purchases through debt and preferred share issuances, increasing pressure from ongoing interest and dividend obligations.
Saylor Signals Shift in Bitcoin Strategy
Although Saylor emphasized that the impact of any sales would likely remain limited, the announcement marks a major shift from his previous “never sell Bitcoin” position.
He added that Strategy still intends to purchase more Bitcoin overall than it sells.
The strategic adjustment comes after the company reported a massive $14.47 billion operating loss during the first quarter, driven primarily by unrealized losses tied to its Bitcoin holdings.
Altcoins Trade Mixed as Market Watches Iran Developments
The broader cryptocurrency market traded in a mixed but generally stable range as investors continued monitoring geopolitical developments involving the United States and Iran.
The improving outlook for potential diplomatic progress has contributed to a strong recovery in digital assets over the past week.
Ethereum declined 0.4% to $2,369.43, while XRP gained 1.3% to $1.4254.
Solana and Cardano advanced 2.9% and 3.5%, respectively, while BNB rose 1.3%.
Among meme cryptocurrencies, Dogecoin climbed 3.4%, while Official Trump gained 2.8%.
