US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would be “hit very hard” if investigators establish that Tehran was linked to the alleged attack by a Flydubai co-pilot aboard a flight bound for Israel.
Key Highlights
- Donald Trump warned Iran of severe retaliation if it is linked to the Flydubai cockpit attack.
- The incident occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
- An Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed the Indian captain during the flight.
- The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after passengers and crew helped restrain the co-pilot.
- Iran’s involvement has not been established, with investigations still ongoing.
- UAE authorities are investigating whether the incident was connected to terrorism or terrorist intent.
- Trump said he had heard that Iran may be involved but provided no public evidence supporting the claim.
Trump Warns Iran Over Flydubai Attack
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump was asked whether Iran was involved in the incident.
“I would say the answer, based on what I’m hearing, is yes, but we’re working on it right now,” Trump said.
Asked whether the United States would retaliate if a connection to Iran was confirmed, Trump responded: “Oh, they’ll be hit very hard, don’t worry.”
Trump also suggested that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could potentially have been connected to the incident, but he did not provide evidence and stressed that the matter remained under investigation.
What Happened Aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073?
The incident occurred on September 30 aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv with more than 170 people on board, most of them Israeli passengers.
According to reports, the Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked the Indian captain, Smit Machchhar, during the flight and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
The plane subsequently entered a rapid descent, losing roughly 14,000 to 17,000 feet in a very short period, according to different accounts of the incident.
The injured captain was reportedly able to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and overpower the co-pilot.
Other pilots and passengers then helped stabilise the aircraft before it made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The passengers were later transported onward to Israel on another aircraft.
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Iran Link Still Under Investigation
Despite Trump’s comments, Iran’s alleged involvement remains unconfirmed.
US officials have not publicly presented evidence establishing a connection between Tehran and the co-pilot. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also said it was too early to determine whether Iran was involved.
The UAE has launched an investigation into the incident, including whether it was connected to terrorist activity or intent. Saudi, Israeli, Emirati and other authorities are also involved in examining the circumstances surrounding the attack.
Netanyahu Raises Radicalisation Concerns
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot had undergone what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination.” Israeli officials have been investigating whether the incident was an attempted terrorist attack.
However, investigators have not publicly established a final motive or confirmed whether the suspect acted on behalf of an organisation or government.
Trump’s comments therefore represent a claim about a possible Iranian connection rather than a confirmed finding from the investigation.
Captain and Passengers Praised
Captain Smit Machchhar has been praised for his actions during the emergency after managing to open the cockpit door despite being injured.
Several passengers also intervened and helped restrain the co-pilot, preventing the situation from developing into a potentially catastrophic incident. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has indicated that some of the passengers involved could receive official recognition for their actions.
Flydubai Suspends Israel Flights
Following the incident, Flydubai suspended its flights between Dubai and Israel while investigations continued.
The incident has also renewed questions about aviation security and the screening and monitoring of flight crew, particularly after an attack originating from inside the cockpit.
US Military Presence and Wider Iran Tensions
Trump’s warning comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran and the United States across the Middle East.
The comments also follow wider disputes and stalled diplomatic contacts concerning the Strait of Hormuz and regional security.
Any confirmed evidence linking Tehran to the Flydubai incident could further escalate tensions between Iran and the United States. For now, however, investigators have yet to establish such a link publicly. For more updates, follow us on X.
