US threatens secondary sanctions on Iran partners as Japan backs sanctioned ICC chief

The United States warned on Monday that secondary sanctions will now apply to any nation or entity that conducts business with Iran, launching a campaign called Operation Economic Outcast that will focus on digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. In Tokyo, the Japanese government said it will provide any needed support to International Criminal Court President Tomoko Akane after the United States imposed sanctions on her, while avoiding direct criticism of President Donald Trump's administration.

A leisure boat struck a seawall near Haneda Airport, injuring nine people, two seriously, and all ten passengers were rescued. Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings completed its third year of releasing treated radioactive water from Fukushima, discharging 172,700 tons in 22 batches and reducing tank storage by 7.6 percent. The government also approved an interim report to create a new advisory panel for chemical and biological terrorism response, emphasizing emerging technologies like drones and AI.

North Korea condemned Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi for bowing at the Yasukuni shrine, calling the act an extreme militaristic gesture, while a three-member Japanese lawmakers' group started a four-day visit to China to discuss strained bilateral ties. Finally, Isao Kurauchi, chairman of the Fukuoka prefectural assembly, announced his intent to resign amid an alleged extortion scandal involving local Liberal Democratic Party members.