India, March 24 -- Twenty-five days into a fast-escalating war that has pulled in Washington, Tehran, Jerusalem and the Gulf capitals, the Middle East is already in the throes of a regional conflict with global consequences. US-Israeli strikes on Iran have been met with waves of Iranian missile and drone attacks on Israel and Gulf states, turning critical sea lanes into a war theatre and energy markets into a rollercoaster.

Against this backdrop, US President Donald Trump has abruptly put diplomacy back on the table - but only for five days, and with US Marines sailing into position even as back-channel envoys quietly shuttle between capitals.

Speaking with Hindustan Times Executive Editor Shishir Gupta on HT's Point Blank, Senior Ancho...