Rupee began the week in green, gaining 40 paise to 95.20 against the US dollar in early Monday trade. The currency was driven by optimism in global markets over hopes of a potential peace deal between the United States and Iran. In the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 95.36 against the US dollar before strengthening to 95.20 in early deals, marking a gain of 40 paise from its previous close. On Friday, the domestic currency had already gained momentum, rising 75 paise to settle at 95.60 against the US dollar. The recovery comes after rupee had fallen 6% since the Middle East crisis began on February 28, when US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran.