Trump delays planned US strike on Iran, and crypto markets are feeling the aftershocks

President Trump hit pause on what was shaping up to be one of the most consequential military operations in recent memory. A planned US strike on Iran, originally scheduled for May 19, 2026, was postponed after Gulf state leaders asked for more time to negotiate. What happened and why it matters On May 18, Trump took to Truth Social to announce the postponement, directing Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Daniel Caine to keep forces at full readiness for what he described as a potential large-scale assault. The decision came after direct requests from Qatar’s Emir, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed. Israel’s assessment of the situation was notably less optimistic. Israeli officials concluded that the delay could hand Tehran additional leverage at the negotiating table. The US military had already struck over 80 Iranian targets by July 2026 as part of a broader escalation campaign, and naval operations in the region continue. The crypto angle is bigger than you think The US Treasury seized nearly $500 million in crypto assets linked to Iranian entities as part of sanctions enforcement. Market...