US Lawmaker Urges King Charles to Meet Jeffrey Epstein Survivors During US Visit

A US congressman has called on King Charles III to meet survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during his anticipated visit to the United States later this spring, highlighting ongoing international scrutiny of Epstein’s global network and connections to powerful figures.

Democratic Representative Ro Khanna from California, who co-sponsored the Epstein Files Transparency Act compelling the US Department of Justice to release key documents last year, urged the King to hold a private meeting with victims to hear directly about how influential individuals and institutions failed them. Khanna stressed that Epstein’s network had significant ties to the United Kingdom, including through Ghislaine Maxwell and connections within British political and social circles.

Khanna emphasized that the issue “is not solely an American matter,” noting the broader questions about how Epstein maintained influence and protection across borders. Members of Congress have also sought testimony from King Charles’s brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, and former UK officials about their links to Epstein. Andrew, who was stripped of his titles last year over his associations with Epstein, has denied wrongdoing and cannot be compelled to testify in the US.

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The King and Queen Camilla are reportedly planning to visit Washington at the end of April, where they may meet US President Donald Trump and address a joint session of Congress. The visit comes ahead of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence in July.

Buckingham Palace has previously stated that the King’s “sympathies have been, and remain with, the victims of any and all forms of abuse.” The monarch also expressed readiness to support police inquiries following Andrew’s arrest and release on suspicion of misconduct related to his former role as UK trade representative.

Recent Epstein files released by the US Justice Department include photos showing Andrew with Epstein and other sensitive material, while Andrew reached an out-of-court settlement in 2022 with his most prominent accuser, Virginia Giuffre, without admitting liability.

Khanna’s call underscores growing international pressure for justice and accountability for Epstein’s victims and highlights the continuing scrutiny of high-profile individuals connected to the scandal. Advocates say a private meeting with the King could signal a commitment to supporting survivors and addressing historical failings by powerful institutions.

US Lawmaker Urges King Charles to Meet Jeffrey Epstein Survivors During US Visit

Spain Shuts Airspace to US Warplanes, Rejects Iran Conflict Involvement

Spain has taken a firm stance against the ongoing Iran war, announcing the closure of its airspace to US military aircraft involved in operations targeting Iran, in a move that has heightened diplomatic tensions with Washington.

Spain’s Defence Minister, Margarita Robles, confirmed that Madrid will not permit the use of its territory or military facilities for any actions linked to the conflict. She specifically ruled out access to the jointly operated bases at Naval Station Rota and Morón Air Base.

The decision reinforces Spain’s broader policy of non-participation in the Iran war, which officials say is aimed at preventing further escalation and upholding international law.

Spain’s Foreign Affairs Minister, José Manuel Albares, said the government’s position is to avoid any action that could intensify the conflict, stressing that diplomacy remains the preferred path.

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Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has been one of the most vocal European critics of the US-led strikes, previously describing them as “reckless” and “illegal.” He disclosed that Spain had already rejected all US flight plans connected to military operations in Iran, including refuelling missions.

“We are a sovereign country that does not wish to take part in illegal wars,” Sánchez stated, underscoring Spain’s commitment to neutrality in the conflict.

The restriction means US aircraft operating from bases such as RAF Fairford in the United Kingdom will now be forced to reroute around Spanish airspace, either via the Atlantic or through France, adding logistical challenges to ongoing missions.

In response, officials in the administration of Donald Trump maintained that US operations—reportedly under “Operation Epic Fury”—are progressing successfully without Spain’s involvement. A White House official said the US is meeting or exceeding its military objectives independently.

However, the disagreement has widened into a diplomatic rift, with Trump previously threatening a full trade embargo on Spain over its refusal to support the war effort.

Spain’s stance has also drawn a notable response from Tehran. The Iranian government signalled it would be open to Spanish requests concerning transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route through which about 20% of the world’s oil supply typically flows.

The waterway has faced disruptions due to heightened military tensions, including threats of drone and missile attacks, pushing global oil prices higher and raising concerns about energy security.

Spain’s decision highlights deepening divisions among Western allies over the Iran conflict, with Madrid positioning itself firmly in favour of diplomacy while resisting military escalation.

Spain Shuts Airspace to US Warplanes, Rejects Iran Conflict Involvement

Iran Threatens US-Linked Universities in Middle East Amid Escalating Tensions

March 29, 2026

Iran has issued a stark warning that American-affiliated universities operating in the Middle East could become potential targets, as tensions between Iran and the United States continue to rise.

The threat, attributed to Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), follows allegations that Iranian universities were damaged in recent strikes linked to the ongoing conflict. Iranian officials have not publicly provided detailed evidence of the alleged attacks but have condemned what they describe as violations of sovereignty and international norms.

In statements carried by international media, the IRGC warned that institutions with ties to the United States in the region could be considered “legitimate targets” if hostilities persist. Authorities also advised civilians to avoid such facilities, raising concerns about the safety of students, faculty, and staff across several countries in the Middle East.

While the rhetoric signals a dangerous expansion of potential targets beyond military installations, there has been no widely verified confirmation from major global outlets of a specific ultimatum or deadline tied to the warning. Analysts say the language used reflects an escalation in tone but stops short of confirming imminent attacks.

The development comes amid an increasingly volatile regional environment, with both nations exchanging accusations over recent incidents tied to the broader conflict. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions have so far yielded little progress, as global powers call for restraint.

Security experts warn that any attack on educational institutions would mark a significant shift in the conflict, potentially drawing widespread international condemnation and increasing the risk of further escalation.

Governments in the region are said to be reviewing security arrangements around foreign-linked institutions, while universities are reportedly monitoring the situation closely.

As of press time, officials from the United States had not issued a formal response specifically addressing the threat to universities, though Washington has repeatedly condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure and reiterated its commitment to protecting American interests abroad.

Iran Threatens US-Linked Universities in Middle East Amid Escalating Tensions