US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face severe retaliation if investigators establish that Tehran was connected to an attempted attack aboard a flydubai passenger flight travelling from Dubai to Israel.
Trump issued the warning as authorities continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, in which a co-pilot allegedly attacked the aircraft’s captain and attempted to take control of the flight.
The flight, carrying passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv, was forced into an emergency situation after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and caused the aircraft to lose altitude rapidly.
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Passengers and crew members intervened, overpowered the co-pilot and helped prevent what Israeli officials described as an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. The plane was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump was asked whether he believed Iran had any connection with the incident.
The US president said American officials were still working on the matter but indicated that, based on information available to him, he believed there could be a connection.
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Trump did not provide evidence publicly to support the suggestion.
He was subsequently asked what the United States would do if Iran was found to have been responsible for the incident.
Trump responded with a warning that Iran would be “hit very hard,” signalling the possibility of a forceful US response if investigators ultimately establish Iranian involvement.
The warning came as investigators continued examining the co-pilot’s motives and possible links. The circumstances surrounding the attack remain under investigation, and authorities have not publicly established that the Iranian government was behind the incident.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also spoken about the incident, saying the co-pilot had undergone what he described as Islamist radical indoctrination. However, Israeli authorities have not publicly presented evidence establishing a direct link between the suspect and Tehran.
The incident began during flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday. According to officials, the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain, who was able to unlock the cockpit door. Passengers then entered the cockpit and subdued the attacker.
Other pilots who were travelling on the aircraft helped take control of the flight before it was landed safely in Saudi Arabia. The passengers later continued their journey to Israel on a replacement aircraft.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about aviation security in the Middle East, particularly as airlines continue operating against the backdrop of the wider conflict involving the United States and Iran.
Flydubai has suspended its flights between Dubai and Tel Aviv while the investigation continues. The suspension has also affected passengers who rely on the route as a major connection between the United Arab Emirates and Israel.
Israeli airlines, meanwhile, have been seeking approval to resume their own services between Israel and Dubai. The routes had already faced disruptions because of the broader regional security situation.
The latest aviation incident therefore comes at a sensitive time for commercial airlines operating in the region. Gulf carriers had experienced significant disruption following the escalation of the US-Iran conflict earlier in the year, although flight operations had gradually recovered.
Reuters reported that the flydubai incident could complicate that recovery, particularly while investigators work to determine whether the attack was terrorism-related or resulted from another motive. The airline has suspended its Israel service pending the outcome of the investigation.
Trump’s comments have also added another layer to the already tense relationship between Washington and Tehran.
The United States and Iran remain involved in a prolonged conflict, with diplomatic efforts continuing alongside preparations for possible further military action. Iranian officials have indicated that Tehran is preparing a broader response if Washington resumes large-scale attacks, while also pursuing diplomatic channels.
The latest warning from Trump does not amount to a confirmation that Iran was responsible for the flydubai incident. At the time of his remarks, investigators were still examining the suspect, his motives and any possible links to organisations or governments.
For now, the central question remains whether the attack was an isolated act by the co-pilot or part of a wider operation.
Until investigators establish the facts, the alleged Iranian connection remains unproven. Trump, however, has made clear that if Tehran is found to have played a role, his administration would consider a strong response.
The investigation is expected to provide more information about the suspect, the circumstances of the cockpit attack and whether any outside organisation was involved.
This version keeps the central report intact while making the unproven nature of the Iran link explicit and shifting the angle toward the investigation, aviation security and the wider regional tensions.
