By Brijesh Patel and Anmol Choubey (Reuters) -Gold prices gained on Thursday, as rising tensions in the Middle East buoyed demand for the safe-haven asset, although the U.S. Federal Reserve's cautious stance on future rate cuts kept gains in check.

Shell CEO Wael Sawan said on Thursday the oil and gas major was being "very careful" with its shipping through the Middle East given the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran.

The conflict between Iran and Israel continues for a fifth day. President Trump says U.S. knows location of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Follow along for live updates, news and analysis as the conflict unfolds.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told senators in a hearing Wednesday that the Pentagon is working to ensure that U.S. personnel in the region are protected against any potential fallout from the Israel-Iran conflict.

U.S. Sen., Jeanne Shaheen asked Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth on Wednesday about how American troops in the Middle East will be kept safe as the conflict between Israel and Iran intensifies.

The United States appears to be moving closer to joining Israel’s conflict with Iran with a possible strike on the country’s key nuclear facilities – including the Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant, which is hidden deep inside a mountain.

Israel has joined the many countries in the Middle East which all travel is advised against and high caution is recommended in much of the region