Middle East tensions boost gold as investors seek safe havens

CoinTelegraph

by Amin Haqshanas

February 26, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Escalating tensions between the US and Iran are driving investors toward safe-haven assets, with gold emerging as a key beneficiary amid growing geopolitical uncertainty. As Middle East tensions rise, demand for gold has surged, while equity markets and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin face pressure from fleeing investors. This shift reflects a broader trend where global instability pushes buyers into traditional safe assets, with gold’s appeal increasing as a hedge against potential economic or political disruptions. Recent reports indicate that Iran has significantly boosted its crude oil exports, with shipments from Kharg Island reaching approximately 20.1 million barrels between February 15 and 20—a threefold increase compared to January levels. This move appears to be both a preemptive supply release and a hedge against potential disruptions if US-Iran relations deteriorate further. Meanwhile, increasingly assertive US rhetoric regarding Iran’s nuclear program has stoked fears of direct confrontation, with analysts at Bitunix warning of a possible military conflict. In the event of a US-Iran military clash, gold is expected to see a significant surge in value, potentially rising by 15% within two weeks. Analysts predict that this safe-haven demand could push gold prices into the range of $5,500 to $5,800 per ounce. This projection underscores the volatility and uncertainty currently permeating global markets, with investors seeking stability amid escalating geopolitical risks. For readers interested in crypto, the current situation highlights the challenges digital assets face during times of crisis. While cryptocurrencies are often touted as alternative safe havens, their performance has mirrored that of riskier asset classes like equities, suggesting they may not yet be seen as reliable substitutes for traditional safe-haven instruments like gold. This underscores the importance of diversification and understanding market dynamics when navigating uncertain geopolitical landscapes. In summary, the escalating US-Iran tensions are reshaping investor behavior, with gold emerging as a dominant safe haven and other high-risk assets, including crypto, feeling the squeeze. For those following the markets, this situation underscores the enduring appeal of traditional safe assets during times of heightened uncertainty and geopolitical instability.

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Originally published on CoinTelegraph on 2/26/2026