A fresh US-Iran confrontation unfolds in the Gulf of Oman after US Central Command says its forces disabled the M/V Huda, a commercial vessel sailing under the flag of St Kitts and Nevis. According to CENTCOM, the ship had visited an Iranian port and ignored repeated warnings while attempting to breach the US naval blockade. A US military aircraft reportedly fired on the vessel, leaving it disabled. CENTCOM says its blockade enforcement operations have redirected 147 commercial vessels and disabled five ships that refused to comply. Meanwhile, Iranian state media reports explosions on Qeshm Island and near the port of Jask, adding to tensions around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

A powerful earthquake has shaken central Japan, shattering shop windows, throwing books off shelves and leaving at least 22 people injured, according to local media reports. Japan's Meteorological Agency recorded the earthquake at magnitude 5.7, while the US Geological Survey estimated it at 5.5. The tremor struck at 1:04 am, with its focus around 40 kilometres beneath the surface in Shizuoka Prefecture. Several regions experienced strong shaking, including Aichi, Shizuoka, Gifu, Yamanashi, Kyoto and Nara. Smaller aftershocks followed, prompting authorities to warn residents about the possibility of further strong earthquakes over the coming days.