Gold Surges to $5,400 an Ounce Amid Intensifying Geopolitical Tensions

Gold prices jumped more than 2% on Monday, reaching $5,400 per ounce – the highest level in over a month – as investors rushed to safe‑haven assets amid fresh geopolitical turmoil.

What triggered the rally?

The surge followed a coordinated US‑Israel air campaign against Iran over the weekend, which resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The strike heightened regional tensions and disrupted maritime traffic in the strategic Gulf waters that are vital for global energy supplies.

In retaliation, Iranian forces launched attacks on U.S. bases spread across several neighboring countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Iraq and Syria.

Broader context

• February marked the seventh consecutive month that gold closed higher, the longest winning streak since 1973.
• Ongoing geopolitical frictions and the foreign‑policy direction of the United States continue to fuel demand for the yellow metal.
• Central banks have been net buyers of gold, adding to the upward pressure.
• Investors are pulling back from sovereign bonds and major currencies, reinforcing gold’s role as a refuge in an uncertain world.

Other recent headlines on the regional market include:

• Feb 23 2026 – Gold rose to $5,160 on trade and geopolitical stress.
• Jan 26 2026 – Gold broke the $5,000 barrier for a new historic high.
• Jan 23 2026 – Gold flirted with $5,000 as rate‑cut expectations grew.
• Jan 20 2026 – Gold surged past $4,700.