On 5 January 2026, Bitcoin hovered around $92,500 after briefly touching $93,000, with Ethereum trading above $3,200 and several altcoins also moving higher. Traders are watching upcoming US macro data releases alongside reports that Venezuela may hold a large, previously undisclosed Bitcoin and stablecoin reserve, a combination that could shape early 2026 market sentiment.

Iran's Ministry of Defence Export Center, Mindex, has formally added cryptocurrency to its list of payment methods for overseas arms buyers, alongside barter deals and the Iranian rial. The move, presented on its official website, covers a wide range of weapons systems and comes after years of sanctions and banking restrictions. Security analysts warn this shift could complicate monitoring and regulation of global arms transactions as digital assets become part of Iran's export toolkit.

Crypto.com Arena outlines a cashless experience with digital-only tickets and strict entry protocols for December 2025. Bag policy allows only small clutches or wallets under roughly 5 x 9 x 1 inches, with medical and parental bags X‑ray screened. Fans are advised to arrive about an hour early for Lakers games and holiday concerts.