Melania Trump Denies Epstein Links, Calls for Public Hearings for Survivors

Melania Trump has denied any connection to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein, calling recent allegations linking her to him false and urging that such claims “end today.”

Speaking at the White House, Melania said she had only briefly “crossed paths” with Epstein in 2000 and insisted she had no involvement in his criminal activities or any knowledge of abuse allegations connected to him. She also rejected claims circulating online that Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump, describing the suggestion as a “misleading and mean-spirited attempt” to damage her reputation.

Melania Trump urged the United States Congress to hold formal hearings for Epstein survivors, saying victims should be given the opportunity to testify under oath. She called for survivors to publicly share their experiences if they wish, adding that their testimonies should be entered into the congressional record to ensure transparency and accountability. Her comments are expected to intensify ongoing political discussions in Washington over how Congress and federal agencies should handle remaining questions around Epstein’s network and past associations.

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She also dismissed claims linking her to Ghislaine Maxwell, saying she does not know her personally. She referred to a previously reported 2002 email exchange, describing it as “casual correspondence” and a routine polite response, rather than evidence of a relationship.

Epstein survivors and advocacy groups have responded cautiously to the statement. Some welcomed renewed attention on congressional hearings, while others warned that further public scrutiny could place additional emotional burden on victims who have already testified or are bound by legal restrictions.

Lawmakers from both parties have also reacted, with some supporting the idea of renewed hearings and others urging caution to avoid politicising survivors’ experiences.

The remarks come amid continued debate in the United States over the handling of investigations related to Epstein and the disclosure of related documents. While former President Donald Trump has acknowledged knowing Epstein socially in the past, he has previously stated that their relationship ended before Epstein’s legal troubles became public.

Authorities have not accused Melania Trump of any wrongdoing in connection with the Epstein case. Her statement is expected to further fuel public and political debate over transparency, accountability, and the handling of high-profile abuse allegations in the United States.

Melania Trump Denies Epstein Links, Calls for Public Hearings for Survivors

Israel Questions Pakistan’s Credibility as Mediator in US‑Iran Ceasefire Talks

Israel has publicly doubted Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the ongoing United States–Iran ceasefire negotiations, describing Islamabad as “not a credible player” in the diplomatic process. The comments from Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, come ahead of scheduled direct talks between U.S. and Iranian officials in Islamabad on April 11, reportedly to be attended by U.S. Vice President JD Vance.

Azar acknowledged that the United States may have strategic reasons for using Pakistan’s facilitation, but he emphasized that Israel’s primary concern remains the removal of Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure in southern Lebanon. He highlighted recent Israeli air operations that reportedly eliminated over 250 Hezbollah operatives and reiterated that disarming the group south of the Litani River is essential to protect Israeli communities.

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Drawing parallels with past U.S. diplomatic efforts, Azar compared Pakistan’s mediation to previous roles played by Qatar and Turkey in negotiating truces in Gaza, suggesting such mediators were sometimes selected for convenience rather than effectiveness. He stressed that Israel’s objective is to remain closely aligned with the United States on the substance and outcome of any regional agreement.

Regarding the U.S.–Iran ceasefire, Azar expressed support for the two-week truce while noting that Israel considers Lebanon outside its scope. He warned that continued Iranian and Israeli military actions in Lebanon could jeopardize the fragile agreement, potentially destabilizing the Strait of Hormuz and broader Middle East security.

The ceasefire talks themselves remain delicate. While Pakistan has positioned itself as a facilitator, Tehran has acknowledged Islamabad’s role but continues to insist on substantive agreements over nuclear development, missile programs, and regional security obligations. Meanwhile, Israel maintains a firm stance that its operations in southern Lebanon are necessary to neutralize threats from Hezbollah.

The diplomatic dispute over Pakistan’s credibility highlights deep divisions among key stakeholders in the region, underscoring the challenges in maintaining a fragile truce while addressing the security concerns of multiple actors. Observers will closely monitor whether the upcoming Islamabad talks can reconcile these differences and produce a sustainable agreement.

Israel Questions Pakistan’s Credibility as Mediator in US‑Iran Ceasefire Talks

Thousands Rally Across Iran to Honour Late Supreme Leader Khamenei

Thousands of Iranians took to the streets across major cities, including Tehran, Urmia, and Gorgan, on Thursday to honour the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. His death has become a pivotal moment in the ongoing Middle East conflict, and the rallies combined mourning, political messaging, and public solidarity.

The nationwide tribute began precisely at 9:40 a.m. local time, the exact moment Khamenei was killed on February 28 at his Tehran residence in what Iranian authorities described as U.S.–Israeli airstrikes. The attack also claimed the lives of several senior Iranian figures and triggered a series of retaliatory actions, escalating tensions across the Gulf and involving multiple regional actors.

Crowds carried portraits of the long-serving leader, who presided over Iran’s political and ideological direction for nearly four decades. Analysts note that the rallies were not only acts of public mourning but also demonstrations of internal cohesion and state continuity during a period of geopolitical strain. The displays served to reinforce loyalty and resilience in the eyes of both domestic audiences and external observers.

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Despite these public displays, there is uncertainty surrounding Iran’s leadership visibility. His successor, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has yet to make a public appearance since before the conflict escalated. This absence has raised questions within diplomatic and political circles about the consolidation of authority in Tehran and the future direction of the country’s leadership.

The absence of a formal state funeral further underscores the disruption caused by the war. Security conditions and ongoing military tensions have prevented Iran from organising a centralised burial ceremony, highlighting the impact of the conflict on domestic affairs and governance.

The rallies thus served a dual purpose: beyond mourning the late leader, they acted as a strategic show of unity, signalling resilience to external adversaries while reinforcing internal political continuity. Public mobilisations like these remain a critical indicator of Tehran’s ability to maintain cohesion during times of crisis.

As the conflict continues, Iran’s internal dynamics, leadership visibility, and public mobilisation will be closely watched by analysts as key measures of stability and state authority. The commemorations demonstrate that, even amid uncertainty and regional tension, the government can still orchestrate nationwide expressions of solidarity.

Thousands Rally Across Iran to Honour Late Supreme Leader Khamenei