Lighting the fuseThe latest U.S. strikes on Iranâs nuclear facilities â at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan â mark a perilous turn in the already volatile Israel-Iran theatre. By openly inserting itself into the fray, the United States, under President Donald Trump, may have momentarily disabled Iranâs nuclear ambitions, but it has also lit the fuse of wider regional conflagration. There are hints of a new Cold Warâstyle polarity. While Iranâs stubborn strategic calculus merits scrutiny, President Trumpâs bellicose language and maximalist posture risk pushing diplomacy off the table. The world, weary from war, cannot afford another theatre of destruction. India, with its historic ties and energy stakes, must press for restraint and renewed multilateralism at every forum.Gopalaswamy J.,ChennaiPublished - June 23, 2025 12:24 am IST