Gold experienced a slight decline, trading near $4,020 an ounce, after a nearly 2% drop in the previous session. This movement comes as traders are evaluating mixed messages from the US and Iran regarding upcoming talks designed to end the war that has contributed to global inflationary pressures.

The US announced that negotiations with Tehran are slated to commence on Tuesday in Doha. However, Iran's foreign ministry stated via Telegram that it would send a delegation of experts but explicitly ruled out direct talks between the two nations.

This situation highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions that continue to influence market sentiment, particularly concerning inflation. The price of gold is often seen as a hedge against inflation, and its recent movements reflect the uncertainty surrounding the resolution of the conflict and its economic repercussions.