The president is trying to ratchet up the economic pressure on Tehran, but Iran’s government is unlikely to make a deal without a big, face-saving compromise.

Germany has hugely increased its military spending, aiming to be less dependent on Washington. Its support for U.S. attacks on Iran may also give it leverage.

With American dealmakers wrapped up with Iran, neither Russia nor Ukraine has a clear path to victory — or toward a negotiated peace.

European Union nations have a little-known obligation to protect one another. Experts caution it is no replacement for NATO.