Trump Threatens Iran With ‘Very Hard’ Response Over Flydubai Attack

Trump Threatens Iran With ‘Very Hard’ Response Over Flydubai Attack

US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would face a “very hard” response if investigators establish that Tehran was connected to the attempted attack on a Flydubai passenger aircraft bound for Israel.

Trump made the statement on Thursday as authorities continued investigating the motive behind the Flydubai cockpit attack, in which the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and caused the aircraft to plunge thousands of feet before passengers and other crew members intervened.

Asked at the White House whether the co-pilot had links to Iran, Trump indicated that investigators were examining the possibility.

“Based on what I’m hearing, yes,” Trump said, while stressing that the matter was still being investigated. He later warned that Iran would be hit “very hard” if Tehran was found to have been involved.

The incident occurred on Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv, Israel, on September 30.

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The aircraft was carrying more than 170 passengers when the co-pilot, identified by Israeli authorities as an Omani national, allegedly attacked the captain in the cockpit. The aircraft then entered a steep descent, dropping more than 14,000 feet in about 30 seconds, according to reports.

The injured captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to enter and overpower the co-pilot. Passengers and crew then helped stabilise the aircraft, while reserve pilots aboard the flight took control.

The aircraft eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where the injured captain received medical attention and the suspect was taken into custody.

The incident has generated competing assessments over the possible motive. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the co-pilot appeared to have been radicalised, but he also indicated that it was too early to determine whether Iran was involved.

The United Arab Emirates has launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident, including whether it involved terrorism, prior planning or direction from an outside actor. Authorities have yet to publicly establish an Iranian role.

Reuters reported that the motive remained unclear, while investigators from several countries were examining the incident. Flydubai has also suspended its flights between Dubai and Israel as investigations continue. (Reuters)

The incident comes amid heightened US-Iran tensions, with Washington already increasing its military presence in the Middle East. Trump’s warning has therefore added to concerns that confirmation of an Iranian connection could trigger further escalation.

For now, however, the alleged Iran-Flydubai link remains under investigation, and no publicly released evidence has established that Tehran directed or supported the cockpit attack. (AP News)

Trump Threatens Iran With ‘Very Hard’ Response Over Flydubai Attack