Iranian Vice President warns: "Will not initiate war, but will respond decisively if attacked"! Bitcoin drops below $86,000, Ethereum dips below $2800

Iran’s Vice President Arif reiterates that they will not initiate war but will firmly defend against any aggression. Tensions in the Middle East escalate, and the cryptocurrency market responds with a decline.
(Background: Is Trump about to deliver a “decisive blow” to Iran? US-Iran nuclear negotiations stall, Lincoln arrives in the Middle East… Pizza index soars again)
(Additional background: Iran’s central bank secretly stockpiled 500 million USD in USDT last year! Revealed to stabilize the rial exchange rate and respond to international sanctions)

Table of Contents

• Arif: No initiation of war, but firm self-defense
• Middle East tensions escalate, US military deployment increases
• Market reaction: Cryptocurrency declines

Iran’s First Vice President Mohammadreza Aref issued a new statement on January 29, 2026, regarding the Middle East situation, reaffirming that Iran will not proactively start a war but will resolutely defend itself if attacked, emphasizing that the outcome of any conflict will not be decided by the enemy. This statement comes as tensions in the Middle East escalate and has triggered reactions in global financial markets, especially a significant pressure on cryptocurrency prices.

Arif: No initiation of war, but firm self-defense

In his statement, Arif pointed out that the current government has maintained a high state of military readiness since taking office. He clearly stated that Iran insists on not initiating war first, but if attacked, will retaliate strongly. He emphasized: “The outcome of war will not be decided by the enemy,” expressing Iran’s autonomous stance and determination in facing external threats.

Additionally, Arif mentioned that Iran advocates for resolving differences through dialogue and rationality, but on the premise that negotiations must be based on “real and reliable guarantees.” He questioned the sincerity of the US in past negotiations, implying there have been incidents of attacks during negotiations.

Middle East tensions escalate, US military deployment increases

Currently, tensions in the Middle East continue to rise. The US has assembled a large military force in the region and reiterated that if Iran does not comply with the nuclear agreement, it will face “more severe” consequences. Iranian officials have repeatedly emphasized that while they do not seek war, they will respond with greater force to any act of aggression, possibly beyond a single military base.

Meanwhile, protests within Iran and external pressures are intertwined, leading to social unrest and increasing geopolitical risks and uncertainties.

Market reaction: Cryptocurrency declines

The geopolitical risks are quickly reflected in financial markets. Cryptocurrency prices have come under significant pressure: Bitcoin drops below $86,000, Ethereum falls below $2,900 approaching $2,800, BNB drops below $880, and SOL falls below $120. Market analysis indicates that investor concerns over escalating Middle East conflicts have intensified, leading to a sharp increase in safe-haven capital flows.