Bitcoin reclaims $81,000 as Trump weighs ending Iran war

Bitcoin reclaimed $81,000 on Thursday as reports suggested the Iran war could end. Trump's inner circle reportedly advised him to declare the war officially over. The Wall Street Journal reported private talks on Thursday. Trump reportedly believes economic pressure alone will force Tehran to concede. Senior aides warned that further escalation could cost Republicans the November midterm elections. Bitcoin fell below $77,000 on Tuesday after Trump confirmed fresh strikes near the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude rose toward $98 a barrel. Brent reached a six-week high. Iran struck US military bases overnight. Israel signaled it could resume operations. Trump said publicly that the new fighting will not last long. Six commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. The 10-day average was near 13 vessels. Army air-defense tours reportedly increased from nine months to twelve months. Some units could remain in place into 2027. Fed Governor Christopher Waller signaled he could support holding rates in September if August inflation confirms a slowdown. Policy makers split nine to three in July. Three officials pushed for a rate increase. Waller said three-month core inflation slowed to 3.05% through July. The rate was 4.76% in February. Waller said a hot August inflation reading would change his position. Waller said it may not take much inflation acceleration to support tighter policy. CME FedWatch placed September rate-hike odds at 50.2%. The odds were 63.2% a day earlier. Brent crude fell 9% intraday on August 2 after Trump announced talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said Gulf states and Iran had asked him to delay a strike. Iran's Fars news agency denied that claim. The war is in its sixth month. Trump has not chosen a strategy. Renewed strikes or a hot inflation reading would likely push Bitcoin toward Thursday's $76,963 low.