US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face severe retaliation if investigators establish that Tehran was connected to an incident in which a FlyDubai copilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to crash an Israel-bound passenger flight.
Trump made the remarks on Oct. 1 as investigators continued examining the motive behind the attack aboard FlyDubai flight FZ1073, which was carrying 182 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv. Trump said he believed there could be an Iranian connection based on information he was receiving, but he did not provide evidence or details supporting the claim.
The president was asked whether the United States would retaliate against Iran if Tehran was found to be behind the incident. Trump responded that Iran would be hit “very hard,” while adding that investigators were still working to establish what happened.
The flight was forced into a steep descent after the copilot allegedly attacked the captain in the cockpit. The injured captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and help restrain the attacker.
The aircraft eventually landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after other pilots aboard the plane took control. The passengers later continued their journey to Israel on a replacement aircraft.
The suspect is an Omani national and remains at the center of an international investigation involving authorities from several countries. Investigators are examining possible motives, including whether the incident was terrorism-related, while no definitive motive has been publicly established.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the suspect underwent Islamist radicalisation, but he also said it was too early to determine whether the man had connections to Iran. Reuters reported that Netanyahu said investigators expected to know more about any possible Iranian links within days.
Saudi authorities have been cooperating with investigators, while officials from Israel, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Oman are involved in different aspects of the case. Israel has also sought involvement in questioning the suspect.
The incident comes amid already heightened tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran. Diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the ongoing conflict have faced setbacks, while Washington has continued deploying military assets to the region.
For now, any Iranian involvement in the aircraft incident remains an allegation under investigation. Authorities have not publicly presented evidence establishing that Tehran directed or supported the attempted attack, leaving the motive and any possible international connection unresolved.
