Khamenei-linked crypto cartels have been accused of plunging Iran into darkness as they look to make profits with scarce energy. Iran has been facing severe power outages, with hospitals and factories unable to operate for months. Aside from this, there have also been extreme temperatures without relief. While the Iranian regime has often deflected the blame , a significant amount of that has been put on the Khamenei-led regime. According to reports, most of the issues in the country are the direct result of the activities spearheaded by entities linked to the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Under Khamenei, residents have accused powerful cartels of plundering national electric resources, with most of these activities also linked to the Islamic Guard Corps (IRGC). Khamenei-linked cartel accused of misusing scarce resources According to several reports from the country, the groups prioritize profitable crypto-mining operations and seeking vital foreign currency, while the Iranian populace is left to suffer the effects of the collapsing power grid. The turning point to what it is now was the sanctions imposed on the country by the United States, especially after they withdrew from the nuclear deal with Iran in 2019, and the reimposition of oil and banking sanctions. After these events, reports of crypto mining farms being set up in Iran were at a high. Coincidentally, in the summer of 2019, when these reports became rife, severe power outages started to become a thing, with the entire country suffering as a result. According to several sources, the timing was not a coincidence. Under the directive of Khamenei, the IRGC entered into a collaboration with Chinese partners, where they established mining operations to generate Bitcoin and other digital assets as a means to compensate for the country’s reduced access to US dollars. These farms, which depended on high amounts of energy, suddenly became a primary source of the blackouts. According to reports, the IRGC, which serves as the pillar of the crypto mining entities, uses its power over the economy and security outfits to direct these operations. Reports mentioned that the IRGC, in collaboration with entities like Astan Quds Razavi, a charitable trust under the supervision of the Supreme Leader. These organizations form the cartel and allegedly divert state resources for their personal gains. Iranian regime blames the general public for power outages Iran officially recognized the crypto mining industry as legal in 2019, with its licensing being managed by the Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Trade. According to estimates, around 180,000 mining equipment are in use in the country, with 80,000 belonging to private entities. This leaves about 100,000 in the control of states or state-affiliated firms. This development, according to reports, allegedly allows the cartels to operate under a legitimate umbrella, diverting a big share of the country’s energy. However, despite evidence of state-controlled entities draining the national grid, the regime has often blamed the general public for the power outages. They blame a rise in household consumption – a narrative that has not held up under scrutiny. While Iranians have been facing darkness and power outages, the IRGC has been working with the cartels to use the limited energy resources unchecked. Reports also claim that anytime enforcement actions occur, they often target small unauthorized private miners in the country. According to these reports, the main reason behind these developments is a calculated strategy for Khamenei and the IRGC to enrich themselves. Cryptopolitan Academy: Tired of market swings? Learn how DeFi can help you build steady passive income. Register Now
In his latest statements, US President Donald Trump argued that there is a broad consensus that the Fed should cut interest rates. However, Trump reiterated his criticism of Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, saying, “'Too Late Powell' will probably mess things up again.” Trump said that almost everyone agreed that the Fed should cut interest rates soon. However, he suggested that Powell would mismanage this process as he had done in previous steps. Trump had also said of Powell in April that “he should be removed from office immediately” and described him as “a big loser.” Trump backed down for a while when markets were in turmoil after those statements, but he reacted again this month when interest rates were not cut. Related News: Warren Buffett Makes His Latest Move Regarding His Cryptocurrency-Related Investment Trump also announced that he will hold a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday. He said that after his meeting with Putin, he will speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and that he will also meet with various NATO figures along with Zelenskyy. *This is not investment advice. Continue Reading: Donald Trump Again Calls on Fed Chair Jerome Powell for an Immediate Interest Rate Cut – “Everyone Wants It”
Bitcoin may outperform amid real estate market's correction, predicts Jason Pizzino. Pizzino forecasts Bitcoin to peak before stocks and real estate, likely by early 2026. Continue Reading: Bitcoin Surpasses Expectations While Traditional Markets Falter The post Bitcoin Surpasses Expectations While Traditional Markets Falter appeared first on COINTURK NEWS .
U.S. stocks had a fairly positive week, with a 90-day pause in tariff escalations with China bringing some relief to investors and giving a boost to the market. The S&P 500 ended the week 2.7% higher, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average and Russell 2000 inched 0.9% and 0.7%, respectively. The Nasdaq Composite rose 3.6% in the week. The market was also buoyed by strong economic data, with inflation cooling to 2.3% in April and jobless claims holding steady, although consumer sentiment remains low, with the University of Michigan's index falling to 50.8, the second-lowest on record. Overall, the indicators remain encouraging and the market appears bullish, at least for the short term. Amid the positivity, these were some of the trending stocks for the week: Tesla ( TSLA ) led a Monday rally among the “Magnificent Seven” after the U.S. and China agreed to a 90-day tariff truce, slashing levies on both sides. The news lifted tech stocks, with Amazon up 8% on Monday, Apple 6.2%, Meta 8%, Nvidia 5.4%, Alphabet 3.4%, and Microsoft 2.4%. Nvidia ( NVDA ) turned positive for the year this week, becoming the latest member of the “Magnificent 7” to move into the green. The recent surge came after CEO Jensen Huang announced Tuesday that Nvidia would supply more than 18,000 of its top AI chips to Saudi Arabia. The news followed Huang’s appearance alongside other tech executives and U.S. President Donald Trump at a Saudi-U.S. investment forum in Riyadh. Doximity ( DOCS ) dropped on Friday after the online medical platform issued Q1 and fiscal 2026 guidance below expectations, citing macroeconomic uncertainty, despite topping Street estimates with its Q4 FY25 results. Solar stocks rallied on Tuesday as House Republicans moved toward a more moderate deal on clean energy tax credits, easing industry concerns. First Solar ( FSLR ) advanced nearly 22% for the week, Array ( ARRY ) +22%, Maxeon Solar Technologies ( MAXN ) +10%, Sunrun ( RUN ) +25%. UnitedHealth Group ( UNH ) slipped on Tuesday after CEO Andrew Witty announced his resignation for personal reasons. At the same time, the company withdrew its 2025 guidance, citing a continued rise in medical care utilization. Dick’s Sporting Goods ( DKS ) on Thursday struck a $2.4B deal to acquire Foot Locker ( FL ), uniting two retailers impacted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff battles. Foot Locker shares soared more than 80% in premarket trading, while Dick’s slipped as much as 13%. Walmart ( WMT ) posted another strong quarter of sales and earnings growth, but warned that tariffs and mounting economic uncertainty could eventually force the retail giant to raise prices. Baristas at roughly 100 unionized Starbucks ( SBUX ) locations went on strike since Sunday in protest of the company’s new dress code, according to the labor group representing them. Beyond the dress code dispute, contract talks between Starbucks ( SBUX ) and its unionized workers have stalled for over two years. Starbucks Workers United recently rejected the company's latest proposal, which included annual raises of at least 2%, saying it fell short on wages, healthcare, and scheduling guarantees. Super Micro Computer ( SMCI ) j umped on Wednesday as it entered a multi-year partnership agreement with Saudi Arabia-based data centre company. The deal, valued at $20B, is expected to “fast-track delivery of ultra-dense GPU platforms and rack systems for DataVolt’s hyperscale AI campuses in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the U.S. CoreWeave ( CRWV ) drew attention on Thursday after the cloud service provider reported first-quarter revenue that beat expectations and earned praise from Wall Street in its debut quarter. However, shares fell amid concerns that the company is set to spend between $20B and $23B this year on AI infrastructure capacity. Boeing ( BA ) shares touched a new 52-week intraday high on Wednesday after confirming a $96B order for up to 210 widebody jets from Qatar, following a separate order from Saudi Arabia a day earlier for 20 737-8 jets with options for 10 more. The company, alongside GE Aerospace ( GE ), secured a $14.5B commitment from Etihad Airways to invest in 28 American-made Boeing 787 and 777X aircraft powered by GE engines. Coinbase Global ( COIN ) said it expects to pay $180M-$400M in reimbursements and remediation after a recent data breach exposed sensitive customer information and led to users being tricked into sending funds to the attackers. On May 11, the crypto exchange "received an email communication from an unknown threat actor claiming to have obtained information about certain Coinbase customer accounts. Applied Materials ( AMAT ) fell after the semiconductor equipment maker reported mixed fiscal second quarter results, with revenue missing estimates despite 7% Y/Y growth. Novo Nordisk ( NVO ) fell on Monday after Eli Lilly’s ( LLY ) Zepbound outperformed Wegovy in a head-to-head trial, showing 47% greater weight loss. Later, on Friday, Novo ( NVO ) announced that its CEO, Lars Fruergaard Jørgensen, will resign from his leadership role as the company searches for his successor. The drugmaker said that the leadership transition was made in light of the company’s recent market challenges and the performance of its stock since mid-2024. More on the trending stocks Nvidia's 2025 Pain Looks Overdone -- Fundamentals Suggest Strong Q1 (Upgrade) UnitedHealth: Stock Plunges, But Looks Cheap On Valuation Models UnitedHealth Joins Scandal Stocks List Nvidia partner says US plants for servers to be ready in 2026 Trump unveils $14.5B agreement with Boeing, GE Aerospace and Etihad Airways
South Africa’s Garden Route, famed for its lush forests, expansive beaches and charming towns, has become a testbed for Bitcoin adoption. From Mossel Bay to Witsand and Plettenberg Bay to Knysna, Bitcoin has become popular among shop owners and travelers alike for a multitude of reasons. “We’re seeing the early signs of a parallel, permissionless economy emerging across an entire region,” James Caw, founder of SimplB — a local crypto asset provider — told Cointelegraph, “where small businesses benefit from faster, lower-cost digital payments and where people have more options to earn, send and receive sound money securely.” For tourists, the benefits are immediate: no currency exchange hassles, no international card fees, and the ability to pay instantly and securely. For locals, Bitcoin ( BTC ) offers a hedge against inflation, protection from currency volatility and new economic opportunities. Here’s a taste of what a Bitcoin-friendly trip along the Garden Route is like. The Garden Route is where Bitcoin meets paradise The Garden Route is one of South Africa’s premier tourist corridors. It stretches roughly 300 kilometers from Mossel Bay in the west to the Storms River Mouth in the east, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists yearly. Crypto adoption is escalating thanks to South Africa’s regulatory environment, which now recognizes Bitcoin as a financial product. Across the Garden Route, you can spend pre-acquired Bitcoin freely, with little concern for local tax or exchange controls. It’s a grassroots movement. Towns like Witsand and Plettenberg Bay are at the forefront, and national retailers like Pick n Pay provide a safety net for crypto spending along the way. Every Pick n Pay store, including supermarkets, clothing outlets and Express convenience stores, accepts Bitcoin via the CryptoQR app. This guarantees you can always buy daily goods with Bitcoin wherever you travel. Related: Stablecoin fever: 5 major stablecoins are growing crypto adoption Witsand is the Bitcoin village Located at the mouth of the Breede River, Witsand is a sleepy coastal town with a big reputation in the Bitcoin world. Here, Bitcoin isn’t just accepted — it’s preferred. It’s thanks to the efforts of local champions like Edwin Jones, a software engineer and passionate supporter of Bitcoin adoption in the Garden Route. Witsand has become a functioning Bitcoin circular economy. Accommodation options like Fantasea and Happy Days holiday homes, meals at Ellie’s on Main, groceries at local shops, gym memberships, boat services, petrol, surf lessons and mini-golf can be paid for using Bitcoin. As Jones notes: Bitcoin Witsand existed long before we gave it a name. It was just having conversations with friends, and as the local businesses started understanding Bitcoin, they actually demanded we start getting the technology in place. The town’s small and close-knit community has enabled rapid adoption; more than 45 establishments accept Bitcoin as of early 2025. The town’s enthusiasm is infectious, as locals and visitors enjoy the ease and security of digital payments. Witsand proudly announces its acceptance of Bitcoin. Source: Edwin Jones Witsand’s success as a Bitcoin hub is rooted in its community-driven approach. Jones outlines its growth by outlining that: Although there have been many individual businesses over the years since 2009 that started and stopped accepting Bitcoin for the Garden Route, the adoption really started kicking off in 2021. “With the Lightning Network starting to reach maturity around that time, the first Spaza Shop in Mossel Bay, Bitcoin Ekasi, started accepting Bitcoin in August 2021, and the first restaurant in Witsand in December of the same year.” Education has been central to the process. Local advocates have focused on teaching business owners the fundamentals of Bitcoin, warning against scams and emphasizing the difference between Bitcoin and speculative altcoins. “With all the circular economies advocating against gambling and trading, cautioning against interest and investments, being explicitly Bitcoin, and focusing on the fundamentals rather than the price, scammers have been kept at bay,” Jones said. “We have also found that businesses don’t have to adapt as much as evolve.” Bitcoin doesn’t change a business — it just supercharges it. Doing the same old things, much better. Mossel Bay’s surf and social upliftment Mossel Bay, the historical gateway to the Garden Route, is not just about beaches and maritime history. Mossel Bay is home to Bitcoin Ekasi, a pioneering project that brought Bitcoin to the township of JCC Camp. Bitcoin Ekasi empowers unbanked residents by enabling them to earn and spend Bitcoin locally. Coaches at The Surfer Kids nonprofit are paid in Bitcoin, and local spaza shops accept Bitcoin for daily necessities. For the Bitcoiner tourist, Mossel Bay offers a unique opportunity for “conscious crypto-tourism.” You can take surf lessons from instructors paid in Bitcoin, visit the Bitcoin Ekasi education center, or support the project with direct donations. The town also boasts a Pick n Pay that accepts Bitcoin. As SimplB’s Caw observes: The Bitcoin Ekasi project first started when they began accepting Bitcoin because of the demand from foreign tourists visiting Mossel Bay. It is just so simple to function on a Bitcoin standard once you begin using it. Plettenberg Bay is the fastest-growing Bitcoin economy Further east, Plettenberg Bay has witnessed an explosion in Bitcoin adoption. In just a few months, the number of Bitcoin-accepting merchants jumped from five to more than 75, making it one of Africa’s most dynamic crypto economies. Confirmed acceptors include Ferris Cars (which facilitates rental accommodation payments in crypto), Glow Lighting Design and all local Pick n Pay branches. Adventure tourism companies, boutique retailers and professional services are increasingly receptive to Bitcoin, especially if you ask. The rapid growth suggests an enthusiastic local scene, with businesses eager to tap into the spending power of Bitcoin tourists. Related: 8 major crypto firms announce US expansion this year Plettenberg Bay offers a vibrant mix of beach life, nature and crypto-friendly commerce. The town’s energy is palpable, and visitors are encouraged to engage with merchants, share information about Lightning payments, and help grow the ecosystem. “Right now Plettenberg Bay is by far the most interesting circular economy in Africa and possibly the world,” said Jones. “It currently boasts having the most businesses accepting Bitcoin of any town in Africa and has achieved this in less than three months.” Bitcoin preferred signs can be found along the Garden Route. Source: Edwin Jones Sedgefield is a quiet pioneer Sedgefield, a tranquil town between Knysna and Wilderness, played a key role in the national rollout of Bitcoin payments at Pick n Pay. It was one of the trial sites for the innovative QR code converter from MoneyBadger, which enables Bitcoin spending at every Pick n Pay in South Africa. Sedgefield itself doesn’t have the same density of Bitcoin-accepting independent merchants as Witsand or Plettenberg Bay, but the presence of Pick n Pay ensures that crypto tourists can always pay for groceries and essentials with sats. Practical information for your trip If you do make it out to the Garden Route, recommended wallets include Blink, Wallet of Satoshi and Phoenix — all Lightning-enabled and widely used in the region. In larger towns like Knysna, George, Wilderness and Oudtshoorn, the Bitcoin scene is still emerging. There aren’t yet established circular economies, but the nationwide acceptance of Bitcoin at Pick n Pay provides a reliable foundation for spending. The Spasie on Breede Restaurant and Bar is just one of many establishments accepting Bitcoin. Source: Edwin Jones BTC Map occasionally lists independent merchants, like Beans About Coffee in Oudtshoorn. Still, the best strategy is to ask around, look for Bitcoin signage, and use mapping tools to discover new acceptors. For accommodation, activities and dining, direct inquiry remains key. Many guesthouses and tour operators are open to Bitcoin payments, especially as awareness grows. Online platforms like Bitrefill enable you to buy gift vouchers for major retailers using Bitcoin, providing a workaround for places that don’t yet accept crypto directly. Happy travels. Magazine: Pranksy: Inside the anonymous life of an NFT legend — NFT Collector
With Bitcoin back in the spotlight following its recent rally, investors are once again wondering what the next big opportunity will be. With large caps making headlines, smart money is already rotating into smaller, undervalued projects with strong fundamentals and near-term upside. Leading that shortlist is Mutuum Finance (MUTM) , a DeFi project still trading below $0.03 and steadily building momentum. For those searching what crypto to invest in after the BTC wave, analysts are pointing to platforms like Mutuum that offer more than just hype — they offer structure, utility, and real income mechanics. And that combination is rare at this stage of the market. Mutuum Finance (MUTM) MUTM is currently in the final stages of its fourth presale phase, priced at $0.025, with over 80% already sold. The next pricing tier will move the token to $0.03, before reaching its confirmed launch value of $0.06. That alone represents a 140% price difference from current levels, but many analysts believe this is just the beginning. Once the token goes live — paired with immediate access to lending and borrowing features — expectations are building for a significant post-launch move. One key reason behind this forecast is Mutuum’s Layer 2 integration strategy. By launching the platform on a Layer 2 network, the protocol will benefit from lower transaction fees, faster execution, and higher scalability — all critical for real-time lending operations. This infrastructure enables users to lend or borrow assets seamlessly, without the friction of high Ethereum gas fees. As the platform scales, this increased efficiency helps drive higher protocol revenue — a key component of MUTM’s long-term value strategy. Here’s where the tokenomics stand out. When users take out loans on the platform, part of the interest they pay is used to buy MUTM tokens from the open market. These acquired tokens are then shared with participants, especially those who hold mtTokens as a reflection of their contribution to the liquidity pool. This model creates organic buy pressure fueled by actual protocol activity. Mutuum channels value back to its ecosystem based on utility, not speculation. That structure has helped MUTM earn a place on lists of the best cryptos to buy now, especially for investors focused on long-term yield potential. With launch price set at $0.06, projections vary — but a growing number of analysts see MUTM moving well beyond that figure once trading opens and platform usage begins. Let’s break it down with a fresh investment example: When an investor were to enter now with $2,200 at the current $0.025 rate, and the token surged to $0.42 within weeks after listing (driven by protocol adoption and exchange visibility), that position would be worth $36,960 — a 1,580% return. This isn’t just based on speculation. It’s a reflection of the platform’s ability to generate revenue, redistribute value, and scale its user base from day one. Another major advantage is product readiness. Mutuum has announced that a beta version of its platform will launch alongside the token listing, giving users immediate access to key features without any delay. Borrowing, lending, and passive income tools will be active immediately — creating engagement, usage, and momentum that fuels token demand in the early stages of market exposure. With Bitcoin’s rally pulling capital back into crypto, many traders are now rotating their focus to undervalued opportunities with strong fundamentals. For those asking what crypto to invest in now, MUTM offers a combination of low entry, platform readiness, and a sustainable revenue model — all wrapped into one early-stage asset. As capital shifts from blue chips to next big crypto projects, Mutuum Finance is emerging as a serious contender. Still affordable. Still underexposed. But engineered for long-term growth. For more information about Mutuum Finance (MUTM) visit the links below: Website: https://www.mutuum.finance/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/mutuumfinance The post Post-BTC rally: analysts highlight undervalued cryptos like MUTM appeared first on Invezz
COINOTAG News, May 17th. In a recent statement, former U.S. President Trump highlighted a prevailing sentiment in the financial markets regarding the Federal Reserve’s interest rate policies. Many analysts believe
Binance and Kraken fended off social engineering attacks. The attackers connived with insiders, just like in the recent Coinbase hack. Crypto platforms and users need to step up security. Cryptocurrency exchanges Binance and Kraken have successfully thwarted efforts by hackers to illicitly acquire users’ data from their respective platforms. This incident happened a few days right after Coinbase Global placed a $20 million bounty on cyber criminals who connived with insiders to hack its platform and retrieved data affecting less than 1% of its users. According to reports, the crypto exchanges foiled the attempts, ensuring the hackers did not gain access to sensitive users’ data. Although Binance and Kraken representatives haven’t commented on the development, there are no confirmations whether the hackers are the same group behind the recent Coinbase attack. Hackers Employ Social Engineering for Data Theft, Impersonation, and Blackmail Crypto companies and market participants are prime targets of hackers engaging in social engineering. Cybercriminals tend to steal users’ data, which they can manipulate negatively to gain dirty value. For ins… The post Binance and Kraken Thwart Hacker Attempts on User Data After Coinbase Breach appeared first on Coin Edition .
As altcoin outflows surge, preliminary signs indicate a potential shift away from Bitcoin dominance in the cryptocurrency market. Current trends show substantial withdrawals from altcoins like Ethereum, Chainlink, and Maker,