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 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.”