US President Donald Trump says Iran would face a severe response if investigators establish a link to the alleged cockpit attack on a Flydubai flight.
Web Desk: US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would face a severe response if investigators establish that Tehran was linked to an alleged attack aboard a Flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Trump said the information available to him suggested a possible Iranian connection, but he acknowledged that the matter was still under investigation.
Asked whether Iran was involved, Trump said the answer appeared to be yes “based on what I’m hearing”, while stressing that authorities were still working on the issue.
When asked whether the United States would retaliate if Iran were found responsible, Trump warned that Iran would be “hit very hard”.
What happened aboard the Flydubai flight?
The incident occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
According to Reuters, the flight experienced a serious cockpit incident after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain. Passengers and crew members intervened, and the aircraft was diverted to Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing in Tabuk.
The aircraft subsequently reached Israel safely after passengers and crew helped prevent the situation from escalating.
AP reported that the suspect is in custody while authorities from several countries investigate the incident and its possible motive.
Iran link remains unconfirmed
Despite Trump’s comments, there is currently no publicly established evidence confirming Iranian involvement in the incident.
The United Arab Emirates has opened an investigation into whether the episode involved terrorism or other criminal intent. The investigation is continuing, while the suspect’s motive remains unclear.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also discussed the incident and alleged that the co-pilot had undergone extremist indoctrination. Those claims have not independently established an Iranian connection.
Flydubai suspends Israel flights
Flydubai said an altercation occurred in the flight deck and that crew members intervened before the aircraft was safely diverted.
The airline subsequently suspended flights to and from Israel while investigations continued.
The incident has also prompted renewed questions about aviation security and the screening of flight crews travelling to Israel.
Warning comes amid US-Iran tensions
Trump’s warning comes amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran and a broader US military presence in the Middle East.
