The day began with reports of US strikes on Iranian military sites in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran called a ceasefire violation. By evening, both sides claimed the other attacked first, with Trump calling it a 'light tap' and insisting the ceasefire still held. The story dominated coverage from late morning onward, with multiple outlets tracking the escalation. Meanwhile, Toyota's record sales but third consecutive profit decline forecast was a major business story, with papers highlighting 'three walls' of Middle East tensions, tariffs, and China. The Ban-etsu Expressway bus crash investigation continued, with the driver denying falling asleep and police searching the bus company. Other notable stories included the Mitsubishi UFJ safe-deposit box thief's gambling confession, and US Treasury Secretary Bessent's planned visit to Japan.
