The third round of talks in three weeks raised hopes for an Iran nuclear accord, which could avert a new Mideast conflict. President Trump said he believed a deal was within reach.

© Arash Khamooshi for The New York Times

The concessions offered so far by President Trump fall short of Russia’s stated war aims. But President Vladimir V. Putin appears certain that he has the upper hand in talks.

© Brendan Hoffman for The New York Times

An olive branch is easier to accept when it is offered from the tip of a sword.