Maersk Advises Against Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Dynamic Geopolitical Situation

U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel Paparo Says Bitcoin PoW Technology Enhances Cybersecurity, Supports National Security

Abstract: U.S. Navy Admiral Samuel Paparo told a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that Bitcoin's proof-of-work is a valuable computer science tool with important cybersecurity applications, capable of increasing the cost of cyberattacks and protecting data and command signals, thereby supporting national security. The piece notes echoes of Jason Lowery's 2023 warnings about Bitcoin's security implications. Summary: Admiral Paparo told Congress that Bitcoin's proof-of-work enhances cybersecurity and national security by deterring attacks and protecting data, a view aligned with Jason Lowery's 2023 remarks.

Ripple CEO praises SEC’s new direction, and U.S. crypto regulation enters a reset mode

Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse publicly praised the regulatory shift driven by the newly appointed Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) chair, Paul Atkins, on April 20, describing it as “a refreshing breath of sanity that helps people regain their composure.” Garlinghouse viewed the SEC’s policy pivot as the key driver behind an improvement in sentiment across the U.S. crypto market.

Scammers Impersonating Iranian Authorities Demand Bitcoin and USDT as Strait Passage Fees; At Least One Vessel Attacked After Payment

Gate News message, April 22 — Scammers posing as Iranian authorities are demanding cryptocurrency payments in Bitcoin or USDT from shipping companies in exchange for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, according to CoinDesk. Greek maritime risk firm Marisks has issued a warning that

Bitcoin rebounds to $76k, with Trump extending the Iran ceasefire to ease geopolitical pressure temporarily

U.S. President Trump announced on April 22 that the ceasefire deadline with Iran would be extended. At the request of Pakistan’s Army Chief of Staff and Prime Minister, the U.S. will wait for Iran to submit a unified proposal before moving forward, while continuing to maintain the naval blockade and keeping its forces on standby. Iran refused to attend the next round of negotiations originally scheduled to take place in Islamabad, and the Strait of Hormuz has closed again. Bitcoin rebounded to $76,000, and analyst DonAlt views this as a key early warning level that determines the direction of the market outlook going forward.

Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Calls for Israeli Military Unconditional Withdrawal from Southern Territory

Gate News message, April 22 — Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri called on April 21 for Israeli forces to withdraw unconditionally from occupied Lebanese territory in the south. Speaking in an interview, Berri stated that as long as Israeli military maintains its occupation of southern Lebanon

The Iran-U.S. talks did not take place as expected, stocks in the U.S. fell, and Bitcoin traded in a range.

U.S.-Iran talks did not go as expected, and the stock market fell; Vance postponed his visit to Pakistan, and the Strait of Hormuz blockade will continue. U.S. March retail sales rose 1.7%, beating expectations. Waller was nominated as the next Chair of the Federal Reserve, emphasizing independence; market expectations are broadly neutral. Bitcoin is still consolidating in the 74k–77k range, spot ETFs have recorded net inflows for five straight days, and ETH ETFs have also seen net inflows day after day. Sentiment is stabilizing, and the volatility spread indicates that risk appetite is declining.