British Prime Minister Tony Blair says a United Nations resolution to halt the fighting in Lebanon is likely near.
In London, Mr. Blair said he hopes major powers on the Security Council will agree within days on a UN resolution for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
Western diplomats say after a ceasefire is announced, plans will be put in place for an international force in southern Lebanon.
In Malaysia on Thursday, Iran's president, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, said the best solution for the Middle East is the elimination of Israel. But in the meantime, he said, an immediate ceasefire must be implemented.
Also today, Jordan's King Abdullah said even if Israel defeats Hezbollah, a new
Hezbollah will emerge in other countries because of what he called Israel's aggression and its refusal to return Arab lands. He was referring to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
Jordan has a peace treaty with Israel and its response to Israel's Lebanon offensive was muted until now.
Mr. Ahmadinejad spoke at an emergency meeting of Islamic leaders who called on the U.N. Security Council to enforce an immediate ceasefire.
In Damascus, Spanish Foreign Minister Miguel Angel Moratinos said Syria plans to exercise its influence over Hezbollah if circumstances in Lebanon change.
Moratinos spoke after talks with Syrian President Bashar Assad. He did not indicate if Syria wants to help bring about a ceasefire or if Syria plans to pressure Hezbollah at a later stage.