Berlin, June 25 -- European officials on Monday appeared cool toward U.S. talk of building a global coalition against Iran, with the German foreign minister warning that "maximum pressure" without diplomacy increases the risks of a war and several others stressing that their priority is to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.

The split over Iran comes amid deepening divisions between the United States and Europe over foreign policy and trade, with the allies appearing to talk past each other on a matter that both view as a crucial security issue.

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, visiting Middle Eastern allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, said he would discuss "how we can build out a global coalition" against Tehran...