Norwegian ambassador resigns as she faces scrutiny over contacts with Epstein

A Norwegian ambassador who was involved in Israeli-Palestinian peace efforts in the 1990s and most recently served in Jordan has resigned as she faces scrutiny over her contacts with Jeffrey Epstein, the country’s Foreign Ministry said.

Winter Heating Solutions

Solimo 2000/1000 Watts Room Heater

Adjustable thermostat • ISI certified • Ideal for small to medium rooms

📦 Featured Product Recommendation

Below is a top-recommended product you can buy on Amazon — support us by using the link below (we earn a commission at no extra cost to you).

🔗 Buy on Amazon

* Shop with confidence — Amazon Affiliate Link

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.* 1

Check Price on Amazon

RR Signature WARMAXX Room Heater

Dual heating mode • Overheat protection • 5-level safety • 2 year warranty

View on Amazon

Borosil 2000W Novus Electric Fan Heater

Made in India • Variable temperature • Horizontal & vertical placement

See Details on Amazon

*Affiliate links. No extra cost to you.

The Ministry announced Mona Juul’s resignation on Sunday (February 8, 2026) evening, days after she was suspended as Norway’s ambassador to Jordan. That followed reports that Epstein left the children of Ms. Juul and her husband, Terje Rod-Larsen, $10 million in a will drawn up shortly before his death by suicide in a New York prison in 2019.

Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said Ms. Juul’s decision was “correct and necessary.” Her contact with the convicted sex offender showed a “serious lapse in judgment,” he said, adding that “the case makes it difficult to restore the trust that the role requires.” A Ministry investigation into Ms. Juul’s knowledge of and contact with Epstein will continue, and Ms. Juul will continue discussions with the Ministry “so that the matter can be clarified,” Mr. Eide said.

The Ministry said it also launched a review of its funding of and contact with the International Peace Institute, a New York-based think tank, during the period when Mr. Rod-Larsen headed it. Mr. Eide said Mr. Rod-Larsen also had shown poor judgment regarding Epstein.

Mr. Rod-Larsen and Ms. Juul were among those who facilitated the landmark Oslo Accords aimed at resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the 1990s.

Ms. Juul acknowledged in a statement to Norwegian news agency NTB last week that it had been “imprecise” to describe her contact with Epstein as minimal, but said that the contact originated in her husband’s relationship with Epstein and she had no independent social or professional relationship with him.

She wrote that her contact with Epstein had been sporadic and private, not part of her official duties, but acknowledged that she should have been much more careful.

The latest batch of Epstein files has cast an unflattering spotlight on several prominent Norwegian figures. Crown Princess Mette-Marit on Friday (February 6, 2026) issued an apology “to all of you whom I have disappointed” after documents offered more details of her relationship with Epstein.

The country’s economic crimes unit has opened a corruption investigation into former Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland — who also once headed the committee that hands out the Nobel Peace Prize — over his ties with Epstein. His lawyer said Jagland would cooperate.