Srinagar, June 23 -- Indian television studios and newspaper columns have discovered a new fascination: Tehran.

Since the cessation of hostilities between Iran, Israel and the United States, a growing number of Indian strategic commentators, many familiar faces across prime-time debates and policy discussions, have rallied behind a striking conclusion.

Iran, they argue, emerged from the confrontation with far greater strategic gains than many anticipated when the conflict began.

The enthusiasm stands out because much of this commentary originates from analysts often associated with establishment circles and national-security discourse.

Several of them openly contend that Washington still struggles to fully comprehend the consequences ...