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US President Donald Trump on Thursday warned that Iran would be “hit very hard” if Tehran is found to be linked to an alleged attempt by a Flydubai co-pilot to crash a passenger plane bound for Israel.
Trump said there were indications of possible Iranian involvement but stressed that the matter was still under investigation. No evidence linking Iran to the incident has been publicly presented.
The Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv was diverted to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain in the cockpit. The aircraft, carrying more than 170 people, plunged thousands of feet before passengers and an off-duty pilot helped regain control. It landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Saudi authorities said their preliminary investigation found that the captain had been assaulted by the co-pilot. The pilots were later transferred to the United Arab Emirates with an Emirati security team.
The UAE has opened an investigation to determine the circumstances and motive behind the incident, including whether it was connected to terrorist activity or involved prior planning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot had undergone what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination” and appeared suicidal. He did not provide details supporting the claim. Israeli officials have said the suspect is an Omani national.
The incident has also prompted renewed scrutiny of aviation security and the vetting of pilots operating flights to Israel. Flydubai has suspended flights to Israel while investigations continue.
Meanwhile, Trump’s warning came amid a broader US military buildup in the Middle East, adding to tensions in the region.
