Bitcoin surged to $97,694 on January 14, 2026, as geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Iran heightened, prompting investors to seek macro-hedging assets. The cryptocurrency's 3.9% intraday rise coincided with a significant liquidation of over $500 million in short crypto options positions, reflecting market pressure release. The U.S. has begun evacuating personnel from key Middle Eastern regions, including the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, amid warnings from Iran. This has led to increased demand for safe-haven assets, with gold reaching a record high of $4,639.42 per ounce. The market remains sensitive to potential escalations, with Bitcoin's direction influenced by liquidity conditions and geopolitical developments.