The Middle East conflict intensified as U.S. President Donald Trump rejected Iran’s response to Washington’s proposal for ending the war, calling it “completely unacceptable.” Iran had earlier sent its reply through Pakistani mediators, according to state media. Meanwhile, Trump is expected to pressure Chinese President Xi Jinping on the Iran issue during an upcoming visit to Beijing.

In Europe, the United Kingdom and France announced a multinational defense ministers’ meeting on Tuesday to discuss military planning for securing commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran warned both countries that any deployment of warships in the area would face an “immediate and severe response.” Drone attacks also struck several targets in the Gulf region, including a cargo ship traveling from Abu Dhabi to Qatar, though no casualties were reported.

Separately, Iran released Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi on medical bail amid growing health concerns. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the war cannot be considered over until Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles are removed. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any attack on Iranian tankers would trigger retaliation against U.S. facilities in the region.