Crypto Bets on Khamenei's Death Hit $500M; US Platform Kalshi Voids War Wagers

Betting on the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei surged to a record half-billion dollars in turnover on Polymarket, a cryptocurrency-based prediction market platform. U.S.-regulated exchange Kalshi subsequently voided all death-related contracts and banned future wagers on political figures' deaths, with its CEO citing ethical concerns over profiting from such events. American lawmakers have criticized figures close to President Trump for allegedly profiting from 'war and death' through these speculative markets as the Iran conflict escalates.