Spot gold opened flat on Monday at $4,078.61/oz.

Iraq and Iran foreign ministers met in Baghdad. Iraq said the visit was significant and that Baghdad has facilitated US–Iran communications; ministers discussed bilateral ties and a US–Iran memorandum of understanding. Iraq urged reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting maritime blockades, saying wartime actions and a closed strait have harmed Iraq’s economy and disrupted Iraqi oil supplies. Iraq said it does not support escalation or aggression against Iran, warned continued conflict would devastate the region, and called for regional self‑protection.

Putin said special operations forces personnel are Russia's true elite.