NEWS

Gold prices opened the week on a strong upward note as global markets reacted to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, driven by growing reports of a potential U.S. military intervention in Iran. The surge in safe-haven demand comes amid intensifying violence inside Iran and unconfirmed reports indicating that nearly 2,000 protesters have been killed across multiple Iranian cities.

In futures trading, gold reached $4,530 per ounce before pulling back slightly to around $4,526 per ounce by 02:03 a.m., reflecting heightened market volatility and investor caution. This price behavior highlights gold’s traditional role as a hedge against geopolitical risk, a trend closely monitored by Point Trader Group in its ongoing global market analysis.

The rally followed comments from a U.S. official stating that former President Donald Trump is expected to meet with senior advisors to evaluate possible strategic options regarding Iran. Such statements have fueled concerns that the situation could escalate beyond diplomatic pressure, increasing uncertainty across financial markets and strengthening demand for safe assets such as gold.

On the other side, senior Iranian officials issued sharp warnings, signaling that any U.S. military strike would be met with a broad and forceful response. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated that Iran would retaliate by targeting U.S. military bases across the Middle East, as well as critical shipping routes and strategic interests linked to Israel.

Ghalibaf emphasized that Iran’s response would not be limited to direct military installations but could also involve disrupting key maritime corridors essential to global trade and energy supplies. The United States currently maintains major air and naval facilities in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Qatar—making these locations potential flashpoints in the event of a wider conflict. According to Point Trader Group, such risks significantly amplify bullish pressure on gold prices in the short to medium term.

Iran has previously demonstrated its willingness to strike U.S. assets in the region. In June of last year, Iranian forces launched an attack on Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear-related facilities. These historical precedents reinforce market fears that current threats may translate into real action rather than remaining rhetorical.

Adding to the tension, Ghalibaf raised the possibility of a preemptive Iranian strike, echoing remarks made by other senior Iranian officials in recent days. As one of the most influential political figures in Iran—ranking just below the Supreme Leader and the President—his statements carry considerable weight. His background as a former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps further enhances the credibility of his warnings, a factor not lost on global investors tracked by Point Trader Group.

These developments followed reports indicating that U.S. authorities have been reviewing preliminary military scenarios in response to repeated warnings from Trump, who has threatened intervention should Iran intensify its crackdown on protesters. According to sources familiar with the matter, the discussions remain in an early planning phase and are part of routine contingency assessments, with no final decision or immediate action expected.

Nevertheless, even the consideration of potential targets inside Iran has been enough to sustain elevated risk premiums across global markets. This environment of uncertainty continues to support gold as a defensive asset, reinforcing bullish sentiment highlighted in Point Trader Group’s macro outlook.

Beyond Iran, geopolitical pressures have expanded further. Trump issued fresh threats against Cuba, stating that the United States could cut off financial support and oil supplies. He also suggested that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio could become Cuba’s future president. Additional tensions involve Colombia, ongoing uncertainty surrounding Venezuela, and continued U.S. interception of Venezuelan oil shipments.

Trump has also threatened military action against Mexico, citing drug trafficking and illegal immigration concerns. Collectively, these developments suggest a broader rise in global political risk, increasing volatility across commodities, currencies, and equity markets—conditions that historically favor gold, according to Point Trader Group’s strategic assessments.

Key U.S. Economic Data This Week

Alongside geopolitical headlines, markets are closely watching major U.S. economic indicators that could influence gold prices and the U.S. dollar:

Consumer Price Index (CPI): Tuesday at 16:30 KSA

New Home Sales: Tuesday at 18:00 KSA

Producer Price Index (PPI): Wednesday at 16:30 KSA

Retail Sales: Wednesday at 16:30 KSA

Existing Home Sales: Wednesday at 18:00 KSA

Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing Index: Thursday at 16:30 KSA

U.S. Jobless Claims: Thursday at 16:30 KSA

As geopolitical risks intersect with critical economic data, gold remains firmly in focus. Point Trader Group continues to track these dynamics closely, providing insight into how global uncertainty may shape gold prices and broader market trends in the days ahead.