Gold prices have unexpectedly slid for seven sessions despite West Asian conflict. The primary cause is a stronger US dollar, fueled by anticipated Federal Reserve rate hikes, making gold costlier for non-US buyers. The earlier 'dollar debasement' trade favoring gold is now overshadowed by investor shifts to higher-yielding US Treasuries. War clouds also drive up crude oil prices and inflation risks. India's PM Modi advocates reduced gold buying to conserve dollars. Uncertainty persists regarding gold's ability to regain its past uncertainty-driven peak amid these shifting dynamics.