In a statement, the Iran-backed group said the vessel was struck about 68 nautical miles from the Lebanese coast, alleging it had been preparing to launch attacks on Lebanese territory.

There was no immediate confirmation from the Israeli military regarding the claim.Israeli naval forces have been involved in operations against targets in Lebanon in recent weeks, including using warships to carry out strikes along the coastline as hostilities with Hezbollah intensified.

The reported attack underscores a potential expansion of the conflict into the maritime domain, as cross-border hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah continue alongside the broader regional war involving Iran and its allies.

Speaking in separate calls with regional counterparts, Wang urged renewed dialogue, saying indications from Washington and Tehran suggested a willingness to re-engage diplomatically. His remarks came amid conflicting claims from the two sides over whether any talks are underway.

Iran has denied entering negotiations, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that no talks had taken place and that discussing negotiations under current conditions would amount to conceding defeat. His comments underscored Tehran’s public resistance to engaging while the conflict persists.

U.S. President Donald Trump, however, maintained that Iran was already participating in talks and eager to reach an agreement, suggesting Iranian officials were reluctant to acknowledge this publicly.The White House has also warned of severe consequences if Iran does not accept a proposed peace framework, while reiterating readiness to escalate pressure.

Wang conveyed China’s position in discussions with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, emphasizing the need to resume negotiations and avoid further escalation. He said prolonging the conflict would lead to additional casualties and broader regional spillover.

China also expressed support for diplomatic initiatives led by regional actors, including Türkiye’s ongoing engagement with both Washington and Tehran aimed at facilitating dialogue.

Despite the diplomatic activity, violence on the ground has shown little sign of easing after nearly four weeks of conflict. Intensified rhetoric from all sides has further complicated prospects for immediate de-escalation.

Wang reiterated that dialogue remains the only viable path forward, warning that continued fighting risks deepening humanitarian and geopolitical consequences across the region.

Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s support for Saudi Arabia’s security and sovereignty in the face of what he described as repeated Iranian attacks, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The two leaders reviewed recent regional developments and the broader implications of the conflict for global stability.

The call came as Sharif indicated Pakistan could host talks aimed at ending the conflict, positioning Islamabad as a potential intermediary amid intensifying hostilities. In a statement on X, he said Pakistan supported efforts to pursue dialogue and a peaceful resolution.

The outreach follows remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump that Washington had engaged in “productive” discussions with Iran, a claim denied by Iranian military officials.Despite diplomatic signals, fighting has continued, with U.S., Israeli and Iranian strikes ongoing across the region.

Sources have indicated that Washington is preparing to deploy additional forces, including thousands of troops from the 82nd Airborne Division, adding to an existing U.S. presence of about 50,000 personnel in the Middle East.

The planned deployment underscores a broader military buildup that has raised concerns about a prolonged conflict even as parallel diplomatic efforts gain traction.

Pakistan’s potential role as a host for negotiations reflects its longstanding ties with Iran and its recent engagement with the United States, allowing it to project itself as a relatively neutral actor in the crisis.

The discussions between Riyadh and Islamabad come amid growing international efforts to contain the conflict’s geopolitical and economic fallout.

Speaking at UN headquarters, Guterres said the conflict had exceeded even worst-case expectations, warning of a potential global catastrophe if fighting continues.

He reiterated that diplomacy and adherence to international law remain the only viable path to de-escalation.

Guterres urged Tehran to stop strikes against regional states, noting that the United Nations Security Council has already condemned such actions and demanded their cessation. He also stressed the importance of safeguarding navigation rights in critical waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz.

He called on Washington and Israel to bring the war to an end, citing rising civilian casualties and intensifying humanitarian and economic consequences. “This has gone too far,” he said, warning against further escalation.

The UN chief said the prolonged disruption of maritime routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, is constraining the flow of oil, gas and fertilizers at a crucial time for global agriculture, amplifying economic shocks and threatening food security.

He warned that the conflict’s repercussions are disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, with humanitarian operations under increasing strain as violence spreads across multiple fronts.

Referring to his recent visit to Lebanon, Guterres cautioned against further deterioration there, calling on Hezbollah to halt attacks into Israel and urging Israel to stop strikes in Lebanese territory.

He warned that the humanitarian crisis seen in Gaza must not be repeated in Lebanon.Guterres said he remains engaged with regional and international stakeholders and announced the appointment of Jean Arnault as his personal envoy to coordinate diplomatic efforts related to the conflict and its broader consequences.

He emphasized that ending the war remains the most effective way to mitigate global disruption, reiterating that “peace is the way out.”

Qassem said proposals to negotiate “under fire” were unacceptable, describing them as an imposed capitulation rather than a pathway to de-escalation. He criticized the Lebanese president’s push for direct engagement with Israel, which he said remains an adversary occupying Lebanese land and conducting ongoing attacks.

The Hezbollah chief framed the timing of the proposed talks as coercive, arguing that dialogue cannot take place under active military pressure. His remarks underscore deep divisions within Lebanon’s political leadership over how to respond to the escalating conflict and external threats.

Qassem also called on the Lebanese government to reverse its March 2 decision banning Hezbollah’s military activities, presenting the move as necessary for safeguarding national interests during a period of heightened regional instability.

Appealing to the public, Qassem urged Lebanese citizens to rally around “national unity,” linking internal cohesion to the country’s ability to withstand external pressures.

He said unity would require political alignment on the role of Hezbollah’s armed wing in Lebanon’s defense posture.

His comments come as displacement rises across the country, with makeshift encampments expanding in Beirut and other areas amid continued cross-border hostilities and airstrikes.