May 31 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with both Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the diplomatic negotiations between Israel and Lebanon and has proposed a plan to allow for "gradual de-escalation,

Israel's capture of Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon marks a significant escalation in its military campaign against Hezbollah, intensifying border conflicts and raising international concerns.

The US and Iran traded messages over the weekend seeking changes to a draft agreement that would extend a ceasefire and open the Strait of Hormuz, but it was unclear whether the sides were making much progress.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has held discussions over the past 48 hours with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in an effort to advance a new ceasefire initiative,

Israel is expanding its invasion of Lebanon with its deepest incursion in over 25 years, despite a US-brokered ceasefire and ongoing direct talks with Lebanon.