Steven Erlanger

The United States and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, starting a monthslong war that spread to neighboring countries and rocked global markets.

The Strait of Hormuz is Iran’s best leverage to get Washington to release Iran’s frozen assets, lift economic sanctions and end its naval blockade.

With none of President Trump’s aims accomplished and the Strait of Hormuz closed, U.S. allies see dysfunction and vulnerability from the war.

President Trump, who promised to “end wars,” not start them, may have fallen into a familiar presidential trap.

While President Trump insulted allies and demanded loyalty, the military alliance moved quietly closer to accepting more European responsibility for defense.

The focus at a leaders’ summit in Turkey this week will be on building a new model for the alliance, as President Trump pushes to do less and pressures others do more.

Secretary General Mark Rutte is headed to Washington. His style has at times frustrated the very European leaders who need him to hold the alliance together.

Europe and the larger world will be watching carefully to see if talks produce a lasting agreement on Iran’s nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump said Iran had promised to suspend enriching uranium, but it is unclear for how long.

President Trump said Iran had promised to suspend enriching uranium, but it is unclear for how long.

The war has produced regime change, but Iran’s new leaders are more willing to take risks and believe they have already absorbed the worst that America and Israel can deliver.

The failure to protect NATO territory further increased anxiety about alliance solidarity, Russia’s intentions and Washington’s commitment to collective defense.