Epstein files photo 'bombshell' and 'Iran war spirals'
The war in the Middle East and a photo Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor with Jeffrey Epstein and Peter Mandelson dominate Saturday's papers. The Daily Telegraph is among the front pages to feature the first known picture of the trio together, which was found in documents released by US officials. It shows the men wearing bathrobes and sitting around a wooden table, reportedly in Martha's Vineyard in 1999. Both Andrew and Lord Mandelson have denied any wrongdoing in their relationships with the late sex offender. The headline on the Telegraph's lead story is "Trump to take Strait by force", reporting that the US president is sending Marines to the Middle East to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as global oil prices continue to soar.
"Andy, Mandy and the paedophile" is the Daily Mirror's take on the picture as it features the photo of the three on its front page calling it an "Epstein files bombshell".
The Daily Star follows with "Three Amugos" - a reference it says is to the drink cups on the table in front of the trio.
The Daily Mail shifts its focus to accusations from opposition MPs that Sir Keir Starmer showed a "dereliction of duty" after Downing Street said there was "no requirement" for the prime minister to interview Lord Mandelson before making him US ambassador, despite his ties to Epstein. Sir Keir continues to face criticism over the scandal, the paper reports, with Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch accusing the government of a "cover up", which No 10 rejected.
In news closer to home, the Times says Chancellor Rachel Reeves offering "targeted" support for poorer households to protect them from rising energy bills as the war in Middle East continues to push gas and electricity costs up. Alongside, the paper features a picture of rescuers digging through rubble in search of survivors after a strike in Tehran.
"Get drilling to stop soaring bills" urges the headline on the Daily Express. The paper says the prime minister is facing calls from critics to open up the UK's biggest oil field in the North Sea to stop bills from soaring.
Staying with the PM, the Independent reports that Sir Keir will not follow the US in temporarily lifting sanctions on Russian oil, saying it risks helping President Vladimir Putin's war machine.
"Europe rebukes US for easing Russia oil ban" echoes the Guardian. Along with the UK, Germany and France are pushing back against Donald Trump's decision to ease some US sanctions on Russian oil, insisting pressure must be maintained on Moscow over is war in Ukraine.
"Iran war spirals" is the i Weekend's headline as it quotes US President Donald Trump saying the conflict will end "when I feel it in my bones". His comments come as the paper reports US and Israeli warplanes have launched a "new blitz" on Tehran.
Wall Street is warning that "oil prices will ratchet sharply higher" if the war in Iran continues, with analysts saying there was "little sign" of a quick resolution to the conflict, the Financial Times reports.
Finally, the Sun says Apprentice contestant Kieran McCartney's has revealed he used cocaine in the past. The paper reports McCartney is hitting back at online accusations that he was on drugs during the filming of the Apprentice.
