US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would face a severe response if investigators establish that Tehran was connected to the co-pilot accused of attempting to crash a FlyDubai passenger aircraft bound for Israel.
Trump made the remarks on Thursday as investigators continued examining why the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the flight’s captain, sending the aircraft into a dangerous descent before passengers and other crew members intervened. The plane, carrying passengers from the United Arab Emirates to Israel, eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Asked at the White House whether he had received information about a possible connection between the attacker and Iran, Trump said the matter was still being investigated. He indicated, however, that the information he had received suggested a possible Iranian link.
When asked whether the United States would retaliate against Tehran if Iran was found to be behind the incident, Trump warned that Iran would be hit “very hard”.
The comments came amid heightened tensions in the region and as diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the ongoing war appeared to have stalled. Iranian officials had indicated that Tehran had received an official US response to its latest proposal, although they did not disclose its contents.
Investigation Into Copilot Continues
The FlyDubai flight was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain inside the cockpit. The aircraft subsequently plunged thousands of feet before passengers and crew members managed to intervene.
The captain, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, was injured during the attack but managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and restrain the co-pilot. Other pilots who were travelling on the aircraft then helped stabilise the plane and land it safely in Saudi Arabia.
Investigators are examining several possible motives. Authorities have not established that Iran was involved, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said it was too early to determine whether Tehran had any connection to the incident.
The suspect, an Omani citizen, has been taken into custody. Saudi, Emirati and Israeli authorities, along with officials from other countries, have been involved in efforts to determine what led to the attack. Saudi Arabia has handed the suspect over to the United Arab Emirates, according to reports.
Passengers Help Prevent Possible Disaster
Passengers aboard the flight described a chaotic situation after the attack began. The aircraft experienced a sharp descent, prompting people inside the cabin to rush towards the cockpit.
The injured captain was able to open the cockpit door, after which passengers helped overpower and restrain the co-pilot. Two off-duty pilots who were travelling as passengers also assisted in regaining control of the aircraft.
The aircraft eventually landed safely at Tabuk in northwestern Saudi Arabia. The incident occurred while the flight was carrying mostly Israeli passengers travelling from the UAE to Tel Aviv. Reports differ on the exact passenger count, with earlier accounts putting the number at 174 passengers, while some later reports have cited a larger total including crew.
Possible Terror Link Under Investigation
Israeli officials have been examining whether the incident could have involved terrorism. Netanyahu said the co-pilot had apparently undergone Islamist radicalisation, although investigators have not publicly established the full circumstances or motive.
Authorities are also examining whether the attacker acted alone or had outside support. The UAE has launched its own investigation because the aircraft is registered there, while Israeli officials have also sought involvement in questioning the suspect.
Trump’s comments have added a wider geopolitical dimension to the investigation. Any confirmed evidence of Iranian involvement could further increase tensions between Washington and Tehran, but as of October 2, investigators had not publicly established such a connection.
Regional Tensions Remain High
Trump’s warning comes at a time of continuing military and diplomatic tensions in the Middle East. The United States has increased its military presence in the region, while mediators have continued efforts to find a diplomatic settlement and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The FlyDubai incident has also prompted fresh scrutiny of aviation security, particularly the challenge posed by threats originating from members of an aircraft’s own crew. Investigators are expected to examine the co-pilot’s background, possible motive, security screening and any potential links to organisations or foreign governments.
For now, the investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not publicly confirmed that Iran played any role in the attempted attack.