BULL CASE
If the Iran conflict resolves in 2-4 weeks as Trump signals, oil crashes back to $70, the Fed signals 2 rate cuts in its March 18 dot plot update, and the CLARITY Act passes mid-2026 — ETH could rapidly reclaim $3,500-$4,500 by Q3 2026. The Glamsterdam upgrade plus staking ETH ETFs (removing supply) could push toward $5,000-$6,000 by year-end. Citi's 12-month target sits at $5,440, Standard Chartered at $7,500. Target: $4,500-$5,500 within 12 months.
BEAR CASE
If the Iran war drags on months, oil hits $150+, inflation spikes to 3.5%, the Fed is forced to hold or even hike rates, and a global recession materializes — ETH could retest $1,500-$1,700. Solana continues gaining market share on fees and retail activity. Ethereum's 'ultrasound money' narrative is broken post-Dencun with mild inflation. ETF outflows accelerate. Worst case: $1,200-$1,500 in a prolonged bear.