The US-Iran confrontation has escalated dramatically after US forces struck five Iranian crude oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and near Kharg Island. US Central Command says the strikes came after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps targeted a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles twice in two days. The US says the warship evaded both attacks and suffered no casualties or operational damage. According to CENTCOM, four tankers were destroyed in the Gulf of Oman while a fifth was hit near Kharg Island. US officials say crews were ordered to evacuate before the strikes.

Nepal is facing a fresh disaster scare after a 5.3 magnitude earthquake jolted the northwestern part of the country, days after devastating floods and landslides caused widespread damage across several regions. The earthquake struck in Mustang, with Lomanthang reported near the epicentre, sending tremors across nearby districts. There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage following the quake, but the fresh seismic activity has raised concerns as authorities and residents continue to deal with the aftermath of severe weather. Adding to the alarm, a major landslide has blocked the Kimrung River in Parbat, creating the risk of water accumulation and a potential flood threat for communities downstream. WATCH