Diplomatic efforts intensify to end Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Lebanon's NNA reported Israeli airstrikes destroyed the Qasimiyeh Bridge linking Tyre and Sidon, and U.S. and Israeli officials say Israeli and Lebanese leaders are scheduled to speak later Thursday.

Lebanon's National News Agency reported that Israeli warplanes destroyed the Qasimiyeh Bridge, the last road link between the coastal cities of Tyre and Sidon. The report said the bridge was hit after earlier strikes in the area. Lebanese officials say more than a month of airstrikes has damaged infrastructure across southern Lebanon and prompted large numbers of people to flee their homes. U.S. and Israeli officials say Israeli and Lebanese leaders are scheduled to speak later Thursday, which would be the first direct communication between the countries' top leaders in decades. Key reported facts: - Lebanon's NNA reported the Qasimiyeh Bridge linking Tyre and Sidon was destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. - Lebanese officials reported extensive infrastructure damage in southern Lebanon and widespread displacement after more than a month of airstrikes. - U.S. and Israeli officials said their leaders are expected to speak later Thursday; the call would be the first direct leader-to-leader contact in decades. - Iran has stated that stopping the fighting in Lebanon is necessary for a lasting end to the wider conflict, according to the reports. Summary: The reported destruction of the Qasimiyeh Bridge further limits movement between Tyre and Sidon and adds to reported infrastructure losses in southern Lebanon. A direct call between Israeli and Lebanese leaders is scheduled for later Thursday; how that conversation will influence the situation was not detailed in the reports.