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Former UK Ambassador Peter Mandelson Resigns from Labour Party Amid Epstein Links
Peter Mandelson, the United Kingdom's former ambassador to the United States, resigned from the Labour Party following renewed scrutiny of his connections to the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to UK media reports on February 2, 2026. Mandelson, who was removed from his ambassadorial post in Washington last year after emails detailing his association with Epstein surfaced, stated his resignation was to prevent further embarrassment to the governing party, reports said.
The resignation follows earlier revelations regarding Mandelson's relationship with Epstein. Mandelson had served as the UK's top representative in Washington before his removal last year.
In other international news, tensions remained high between the United States and Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism about a potential deal with Iran after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned of a possible "regional conflict" if the U.S. were to attack, Sky News reported on Monday. Trump, when asked about Khamenei's remarks, responded, "Why wouldn't he say that? Of course, he could say that. We have the [big, powerful ships] heading in Iran's direction."
Meanwhile, in Iran, Erfan Soltani, a protester who had been threatened with the death penalty, was released on bail, Sky News reported on Sunday. Soltani, 26, was arrested during protests on January 8. His family was informed that he would be sentenced to death on January 14, according to Hengaw, a Kurdish and Iranian human rights organization.
In the Middle East, Israel announced a limited reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt on Monday, Al Jazeera reported. COGAT, the Israeli military agency overseeing aid to Gaza, stated the crossing would be open in both directions for Gaza residents on foot only, coordinated with Egypt and the European Union. The reopening comes as thousands of sick and wounded Palestinians await urgent medical care abroad.
Domestically, in Australia, a motion to oust David Littleproud as leader of the National Party failed, The Guardian reported. Michelle Landry, the Nationals whip, confirmed that Colin Boyce's motion to spill the leadership was unsuccessful during a party room meeting on Monday.
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