Newly unsealed files from Jeffrey Epstein's archives have thrust a startling claim into the spotlight of the 2018 Jamal Khashoggi murder investigation. According to transcripts released in late January 2026, Epstein recounted a conversation where UAE Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ) allegedly boasted of "setting up" Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) to take the fall for the journalist's death at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Epstein quoted MBZ as saying the operation was designed to exploit Saudi involvement while shielding UAE interests amid rising regional tensions.
The documents, part of a broader release by U.S. authorities probing Epstein's network, surfaced during ongoing litigation and have reignited scrutiny of the Khashoggi case, which a 2021 U.S. intelligence report pinned on MBS. Saudi officials have long denied direct orchestration, insisting rogue elements acted alone, while UAE diplomats dismissed Epstein's account as "unsubstantiated gossip from a convicted criminal." No independent verification of Epstein's specific claim has emerged, and Turkish authorities—who possess forensic evidence—have not commented on UAE involvement. Analysts note the allegation fits patterns of Gulf rivalry, but caution against treating Epstein's words as gospel given his history of manipulation.
Human rights groups like Amnesty International called for fresh probes, arguing the files underscore unresolved accountability eight years on. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi maintain the incident strained but did not fracture their alliance, as evidenced by recent economic pacts. The revelation adds intrigue but little concrete evidence to a saga that continues to polarize international opinion.
