US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would face a severe response if investigators establish that Tehran was linked to an alleged attempt to hijack or crash a Flydubai passenger aircraft en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Trump issued the warning on Thursday as investigators in the United Arab Emirates examined the circumstances surrounding an incident in which the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
The incident, which occurred a day earlier, sparked a dramatic struggle inside the cockpit after the aircraft reportedly plunged about 17,000 feet within a minute. Passengers and crew members intervened, helping to restrain the co-pilot and allowing the aircraft to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Most of the passengers were Israelis and were later flown back to Israel on a replacement flight.
Asked at the White House whether Iran was involved in the incident, Trump said: “I would say the answer, based on what I’m hearing, is yes but we’re working on it right now.”
When asked whether the United States would retaliate if Iran was found to be responsible, Trump replied: “Oh, they’ll be hit very hard, don’t worry.”
The warning came amid reports of increased US military activity in the Middle East.
According to Axios, the United States had deployed additional Patriot missile batteries to Saudi Arabia and Qatar to strengthen the protection of key energy facilities against possible Iranian retaliation.
The US news outlet also reported that the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier and its strike group were heading towards the Middle East, potentially joining two other US carrier strike groups already operating in the region.
UAE investigates possible terror link
Meanwhile, the UAE has opened an investigation into whether the cockpit attack involved terrorism or a terrorist motive.
Saudi authorities said the co-pilot was handed over to the UAE on Thursday and accompanied by an Emirati security team.
Saudi Arabia’s initial investigation indicated that the co-pilot had attacked the captain, triggering a struggle for control of the aircraft.
The captain, identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar, was allegedly stabbed during the confrontation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack and said the suspect had undergone what he called “Islamist radical indoctrination.”
“We know that he underwent Islamist radical indoctrination,” Netanyahu told Fox News, without providing further details.
According to Netanyahu, the attacker repeatedly told members of the flight crew, “Kill me, kill me,” which he interpreted as evidence that the suspect was suicidal.
The UAE’s chief prosecutor has said investigators would determine whether there was “terrorist activity or intent” behind the incident.
Netanyahu said the UAE would lead the investigation, with Israeli authorities participating.
He identified the suspect as an Omani national and said Israel would examine how he was cleared to work on flights serving the country, given restrictions concerning nationals of countries that do not maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.
Passengers hailed as heroes
Netanyahu also praised Machchhar and the passengers who intervened during the attack, saying their actions helped avert what could have been a major aviation disaster.
Passenger Miryam Shira Ohayon said the aircraft was “pretty much out of control” as the incident unfolded over Jordan.
“The co-pilot tried to murder the pilot and basically carry out a suicide attack on the plane,” she said.
Ohayon said the aircraft appeared to be heading towards a crash before passengers intervened and overpowered the co-pilot.
Flydubai said another on-duty crew member travelling on the aircraft ultimately landed the plane safely.
The airline has suspended flights to Israel while the investigation continues.
The Indian ambassador to the UAE also visited Machchhar in hospital, with the embassy saying the injured captain was in good health and recovering.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Machchhar as a “HERO”, saying his actions helped save lives.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, meanwhile, said he would honour five Israeli passengers who helped overpower the co-pilot during the struggle.
The incident remains under investigation, with authorities yet to publicly establish whether the alleged attack was motivated by terrorism, personal factors or another cause. Trump’s reference to possible Iranian involvement also remains an allegation under investigation, rather than an established finding.
