In remarks ahead of a meeting with the Kennedy Center board of trustees, Mr. Trump provided an update on the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Tehran is under intense airstrikes again, according to residents, who said they were hearing loud sounds of explosions. US and Israeli strikes have also hit other Iranian cities, including Shiraz, Isfahan, Tabriz and along the southern stretch of the Persian Gulf.

By Bo Erickson, Maayan Lubell and Parisa Hafezi WASHINGTON/TEL AVIV/DUBAI, March 16 (Reuters) - Several U.S. allies rebuffed Donald Trump's call on Monday to send warships to escort shipping through the Strait of Hormuz,

With oil markets paralyzed by the U.S.-Iran war, the Trump administration says it could escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz — a massive undertaking that experts say could already be in the preparatory stages.

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says the country has not "asked for a ceasefire" after Trump said it had wanted a deal.

President Trump urges allies like China, UK, France to send warships to secure Strait of Hormuz amid Iran war, vows intense US strikes.

"Responding to coastal launch sites as they emerge would require coordinated strike operations ashore and perhaps marines — the latter a clear escalation risk."

The United Kingdom, Japan and several other countries have said they have no plans to commit warships to the Strait of Hormuz.