eSIM unable to Continue Cellular Configuration

I am unable to activate an eSIM on my iPhone 13 Pro (iOS 17.4.1) while traveling in Portugal. The error is Unable to Continue Cellular Configuration. iPhone is unlocked. WiFi and carrier signals are strong. I’ve never used a 2nd number, other eSIM or other physical SIM card. Reset Network settings, Airplane mode on/off, and power cycling do not resolve issue. Carriers (Verizon, MEO for eSim) tell me there is no issue with eSIM or their network, “it is an iPhone issue.”