Gold Rises on Middle East Tensions and Dollar Weakness

Gold prices advanced in Asian trade on Wednesday as geopolitical tensions surged following reports of a potential Israeli strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. A weaker U.S. dollar and persistent concerns over fiscal and trade uncertainty also supported renewed safe-haven demand, helping gold recover part of last week’s losses.

Spot gold climbed 0.4% to $3,302.02 an ounce, while gold futures for June delivery rose 0.6% to $3,303.62 per ounce by 00:57 ET (04:57 GMT), marking the second day of gains as bullion benefited from increased risk aversion.

Middle East Tensions Fuel Safe-Haven Demand

The rally in gold was triggered by a CNN report citing U.S. intelligence sources, which indicated that Israel was actively preparing for a potential military strike on Iranian nuclear sites. While no final decision has been made, movements within Israel’s military suggest that preparations are accelerating, potentially setting the stage for a major escalation in Middle East conflict.

Any strike would not only severely destabilize regional geopolitics but also threaten global energy supply chains, drawing sharp retaliation from Tehran. The report has also sparked concern in Washington, which continues to push for a diplomatic resolution with Iran.

The geopolitical shockwave pushed oil prices higher and fueled demand for traditional safe-haven assets such as gold and the Japanese yen.

Dollar Weakness Adds to Bullion’s Momentum

Gold was further supported by a softer U.S. dollar, which made the metal more attractive to holders of other currencies. The greenback has come under pressure since Moody’s downgraded the U.S. sovereign credit rating last week, citing structural fiscal challenges and a ballooning national debt.

Comments from several Federal Reserve officials have added to market caution. While policymakers remain firm that no immediate rate cuts are planned, many acknowledged the increased risks to economic growth and global trade, further weighing on the dollar.

Outlook and Broader Metal Performance

Gold remains firmly above the $3,000 per ounce psychological support and is trading less than $200 below its record high hit earlier in May. Market participants continue to monitor developments in the Middle East, U.S. fiscal policy, and trade negotiations as key catalysts for bullion’s next move.

Elsewhere in the precious metals space, silver rose 0.2% to $33.255 per ounce, while platinum slipped 1% to $1,050.50 per ounce. Despite the mixed performance, most metals have posted modest gains this week on the back of the weaker dollar.

In industrial metals, copper prices extended their rebound. London Metal Exchange copper futures rose 0.4% to $9,559.25 a ton, while U.S. copper futures climbed to $4.6928 a pound, amid hopes for stronger Chinese demand and easing macroeconomic concerns.

With geopolitical flashpoints flaring and economic uncertainty persisting, gold appears well-positioned to hold its ground as a preferred store of value in the near term.