Gold Steady Ahead of U.S.-Iran Talks

Experts say Iran's nuclear program hasn't advanced much since strikes, but U.S. negotiator warns Tehran could make bomb material soon

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Gold prices are holding steady in early Asian trading as markets await the resumption of talks between the U.S. and Iran over the country's nuclear program. While experts say Iran's nuclear capabilities haven't significantly advanced since U.S. and Israeli strikes last year, the U.S. chief negotiator has warned that Tehran could produce fissile material for a bomb within days.

Why it matters

The outcome of the U.S.-Iran talks could have significant implications for global financial markets, with a breakdown in negotiations potentially leading to a surge in safe-haven demand for gold and other precious metals.

The details

According to the report, Iran's atomic program has not made major advances since the U.S. and Israel struck its three main nuclear sites last June. However, Steve Witkoff, the U.S.'s chief negotiator with Iran, has stated that Tehran could produce fissile material for a nuclear weapon within a matter of days. Analysts say markets are closely watching the resumption of discussions between Washington and Tehran, with a failure of the talks potentially driving investors to seek refuge in gold and other safe-haven assets.

  • The U.S.-Iran talks are expected to resume today.

The players

Steve Witkoff

The U.S.'s chief negotiator with Iran.

Tony Sage

The CEO of Critical Metals, a firm that commented on the potential market implications of the U.S.-Iran talks.

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What they’re saying

“Markets are closely monitoring the resumption of the discussions between Washington and Tehran. A breakdown in negotiations could precipitate flows into safe-haven assets like gold.”

— Tony Sage, CEO, Critical Metals (Email)

The takeaway

The outcome of the U.S.-Iran talks will be closely watched by financial markets, with a failure of the negotiations potentially driving increased demand for safe-haven assets like gold.