U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face severe retaliation if investigators establish that Tehran was linked to the alleged attempt by a Flydubai co-pilot to crash an Israel-bound passenger aircraft.
Trump made the statement Thursday as authorities in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Israel continued investigating the dramatic incident aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
Asked at the White House whether Iran was involved, Trump said the United States was still investigating but added that, “based on what I’m hearing,” there could be a connection. When asked what Washington would do if Iran were found responsible, Trump replied: “They’ll be hit very hard.”
The incident occurred as the aircraft approached Israel. According to Israeli officials and reports from the investigation, the Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed the Indian captain before attempting to take control of the aircraft.
The wounded captain reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to intervene. The aircraft subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, averting what authorities described as a potentially catastrophic outcome.
More Read
Iran link remains unproven
Despite Trump’s comments, there has been no publicly established evidence linking Iran to the attack. Reuters reported that investigations into the co-pilot’s motives and possible connections were still underway, while AP said authorities were continuing to determine why the co-pilot attacked the captain.
Trump’s remarks therefore represent an allegation under investigation rather than a confirmed finding.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has separately claimed that the co-pilot underwent what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination.” Netanyahu also said the suspect appeared to have suicidal intentions and that Israel was participating in the investigation alongside the UAE.
The UAE’s chief prosecutor has ordered an investigation to establish the circumstances and motives behind the incident, including whether it involved terrorist activity, prior planning or outside direction.
Pilot and passengers praised
The Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, has received widespread praise for his actions during the incident. Despite being injured, he was able to resist the alleged attack and open the cockpit, creating an opportunity for passengers and other crew members to intervene.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described Machchhar as a “HERO”, while Israeli officials also praised the passengers who helped overpower the co-pilot. Machchhar was reported to be recovering from his injuries.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also said five Israeli passengers who helped subdue the attacker would be honoured.
More Read
U.S. military presence grows
Trump’s warning comes amid a broader increase in U.S. military activity in the Middle East. Reports indicate that Washington has been reinforcing its regional defenses amid concerns about possible Iranian retaliation.
The developments add another layer of tension to an already volatile regional environment, particularly if investigators ultimately establish that the Flydubai incident was directed or supported by an Iranian state or non-state actor.
For now, however, the motive and any possible Iranian connection remain subjects of investigation, while authorities continue examining the suspect’s background, actions and possible ideological or external influences.
