Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 2nd of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.

UK's Mandelson quits Labour over fresh Epstein payment claims
Former British cabinet minister Peter Mandelson has resigned from the Labour Party following new reports alleging he received $75,000 in payments from disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson, who was dismissed as Britain’s ambassador to the US last year over similar connections, strongly denied the claims but stated he was stepping down to avoid causing "further embarrassment" to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s party.

Iran warns U.S. attack would ignite regional war
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any American military strike would trigger an escalating regional conflict, even as Tehran pursues diplomatic channels through Türkiye and Russia. While Washington has deployed a naval force to the region following warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump, Iranian officials insist they remain open to negotiations despite their forces being on high alert.

Hundreds feared dead in DR Congo mine collapse
More than 200 people are believed to have died after a massive landslide struck the rebel-held Rubaya coltan mine in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The disaster, blamed on heavy rains and unstable ground in the M23-controlled North Kivu province, has claimed the lives of miners and local traders, though rescue efforts remain hampered by communication blackouts and insecurity in the region.

Israel reopens Rafah crossing in pilot scheme
Israel has reopened the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt for a "pilot operation," marking the first significant movement at the terminal in nearly two years. The reopening, a key component of the current ceasefire framework, will initially allow a limited number of Palestinian patients and their families to leave for medical treatment, with operations supervised by Egyptian and EU officials.

Pakistan security forces kill 145 militants in Balochistan
Pakistan’s security forces have killed 145 militants in the southwestern province of Balochistan during a 40-hour clearance operation following a wave of coordinated attacks by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army, according to authorities. The violence, which targeted multiple districts including Gwadar and Quetta, left at least 17 security personnel and 31 civilians dead, with Islamabad accusing external actors of fuelling the insurgency.

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