Serbia’s Vučić predicts possible strike on Iran amid Epstein file release

Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić has stated that he expects a military strike on Iran within the next 48 hours, making the remarks during a televised interview on Sunday and controversially linking the timing to the release of documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Speaking to local media, Vučić referred to the recent publication of Epstein-related files in the United States. “I see that the Epstein documents have been released. When such nonsense appears, like with Monica Lewinsky back in the day, someone usually gets bombed. I expect a strike on Iran within the next 48 hours,” he said, as per reports citing a local news media channel. 

The comments, delivered in Serbian, have since circulated widely on social media, with video clips from the interview going viral.

As per reports, Vučić appeared to be drawing a parallel with US military actions during the presidency of Bill Clinton, which coincided with the Monica Lewinsky scandal. In August 1998, shortly after Clinton publicly admitted to an inappropriate relationship with Lewinsky and amid mounting impeachment pressure, the United States launched Operation Infinite Reach, firing cruise missiles at targets in Afghanistan and Sudan. Four months later, as impeachment proceedings intensified, Washington carried out Operation Desert Fox, a four-day bombing campaign against Iraq.

Vučić reportedly stated and predicted that the release of the documents could accelerate existing geopolitical calculations.

His remarks followed the release on Friday of a new batch of Epstein-related files by US authorities. The documents name several high-profile figures but contain no new criminal accusations against those mentioned.

According to reports, the files reference US President Donald Trump, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, billionaire Elon Musk, British businessman Richard Branson, US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Britain’s disgraced former royal Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. None of the individuals named has been charged with wrongdoing in connection with the release.

Trump is reportedly mentioned in an FBI-compiled list of sexual assault allegations based on anonymous calls and unverified tips. The US Justice Department has said that some of the material includes false or sensational claims submitted to the FBI and has stated that allegations against Trump are unfounded. Trump has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing linked to Epstein.

Trump has said he hopes Iran will agree to a deal that would prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons, while also emphasising the presence of “very big, powerful ships” near Iran’s coastline. 

Iran has warned that any US attack would provoke a strong response and could trigger a wider regional conflict, even as its officials have indicated conditional openness to talks.