According to BlockBeats, on July 12, Bitcoin reserve company Empire Digital (EMPD) disclosed that it has sold 1,400 BTC in the past two months at an average price of $62,200, raising a total of approximately $87.1 million, which will be used to invest in AI data center projects and repay debts.

Of the proceeds, part was used to acquire a 25% stake in an AI data center project, and another $10 million was used to pay off outstanding debt. Following this sale, Empire Digital's Bitcoin holdings decreased by 48%, currently holding 1,514 BTC, worth approximately $97 million at current prices.

Following the news, EMPD's stock price initially rose by 4.2%, ultimately closing up 1.58%. The market believes that investors are positive about the company's decision to convert some of its Bitcoin reserves into AI infrastructure investments.

According to BlockBeats, on July 12, Al Jazeera reported that Qatar's Ministry of the Interior stated that the country faces a high level of security threat and urged everyone to stay indoors or in safe locations. The ministry called on the public to follow security guidelines and avoid unnecessary travel.

Iranian media previously reported that Iran launched a series of strikes against US targets in the Middle East.

According to BlockBeats, on July 12, the situation in the Middle East deteriorated rapidly in a short period of time, with several Gulf countries sounding alarms and activating their air defense systems.

The Bahrain Ministry of the Interior announced that air raid sirens have been sounded throughout Bahrain.
According to Iran's Tasnim News Agency and Fars News, Jordan's air defense system has been activated.
Fars News, citing Arab sources, reported that two explosions were heard in Kuwait.
The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority stated that its air defense system is responding to missile threats.
Witnesses reported hearing explosions in Doha, the capital of Qatar, and the Qatari government has sent security alerts to citizens' mobile phones.
The UAE Ministry of Defense confirmed that its air defense system is intercepting missiles and drones coming from the direction of Iran.

Several Gulf and neighboring countries, including Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait, the UAE, and Qatar, have declared a state of emergency, indicating that the conflict has spread from Iran and the Strait of Hormuz to the entire Gulf region.

According to BlockBeats, on July 12, the New York Times reported that a merchant ship in the Strait of Hormuz was attacked again on Saturday. The United States subsequently launched a new round of strikes against Iranian targets. The escalation of the situation in the Middle East may cause international oil prices to fluctuate sharply again after the market opens on Sunday.

Data shows that the average daily number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has now dropped to 22, far below the pre-conflict level of over 130 ships per day. Brent crude oil closed this week at around $76 per barrel, up about 5% from before the conflict.

The report states that Iran insists on merchant ships using its designated shipping lanes, and some vessels escorted by US forces that choose routes closer to the Omani coast continue to be targeted. Analysts believe that although oil prices are still far below the wartime highs of nearly $120 per barrel, Iran has demonstrated its continued ability to influence global energy markets through the situation in the Strait of Hormuz.