Global Gold Prices Strengthen Amid Iran Tensions as Investors Seek Safe Haven
Global gold prices have risen once more amid increasing geopolitical uncertainty. The conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has prompted investors to exercise greater caution, driving increased demand for safe-haven assets such as gold.
Market participants are simultaneously awaiting the release of US inflation data, which is expected shortly. The data is considered important as it may provide guidance on central bank interest rate policy direction and the state of the global economy.
According to Investing on Wednesday, 11 March 2026, gold prices recorded a modest rise in Asian trading as markets digested various conflicting signals related to the Middle Eastern conflict. Investor attention has also focused on potential disruptions to energy markets and the possibility of the conflict ending.
Spot gold prices rose approximately 0.2 per cent to US$5,204.29 per ounce, equivalent to approximately 87.43 million rupiah per ounce (at an exchange rate of 16,800 rupiah). Gold futures contracts, meanwhile, fell approximately 0.5 per cent to US$5,213.11 per ounce, equivalent to approximately 87.58 million rupiah per ounce.
Wednesday’s price increase saw gold break through the US$5,000 to US$5,200 per ounce trading range that had prevailed over the past week. However, market participants remain uncertain whether the increase can be sustained in the short term.
Over recent weeks, gold prices have indeed experienced considerable volatility. The precious metal fell sharply after previously reaching a near-record of approximately US$5,600 per ounce, or roughly 94.08 million rupiah per ounce, in late January.
Geopolitical conditions have emerged as one of the principal factors triggering such price fluctuations. Conflicting signals regarding the Iran conflict have also rendered market movements unstable.
US President Donald Trump stated that the conflict was near to ending. However, as of Wednesday early morning, attacks between the United States, Israel, and Iran continued. The conflict has now entered its twelfth day with no signs of abating.
With mounting geopolitical tension, markets also fear that surging energy prices could trigger higher global inflation. Such conditions could potentially prompt central banks across various countries to adopt tighter monetary policies.