Trump Warns Iran Will Be Hit "Very Hard" If Linked to FlyDubai Copilot Attack on Israel-Bound Flight
Trump Says Iran Will Be Hit "Very Hard" if Linked to FlyDubai Cockpit Attack
President Donald Trump said Iran would be struck "very hard" if it turns out to be behind a copilot's attempt to crash an Israel-bound FlyDubai flight, as investigators work to establish the motive. Trump spoke to reporters at the White House on Thursday 1 October, according to AP.
What Happened on the Flight
The flight left Dubai for Tel Aviv on Wednesday 30 September with more than 180 people aboard. As it approached Israel, the copilot allegedly stabbed the captain and tried to crash the aircraft, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as reported by CBS News. Passengers and others on board stopped the attack, and the plane landed in Saudi Arabia.
The captain, Smit Machchhar, has been widely praised as one of the heroes of the flight. The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said he was in stable condition.
An Israeli official told CBS News the copilot intended to crash the plane at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv. Israel scrambled fighter jets and closed its airspace as a precaution, and a command centre was set up.
Trump's Remarks
Asked whether he had been briefed on any link between the copilot and Tehran, Trump said, "We're working on it right now." He added that, based on what he was hearing, the answer was "yes," but did not explain why he suspects Iranian involvement or offer evidence.
Netanyahu told Fox News it was "too early to say" whether Iran was involved. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz described the incident as an attempted jihadist terror attack, according to CBS News. No official finding on motive has been published.
International Investigation
Israeli intelligence and security officials travelled to Saudi Arabia to help question the copilot, according to a regional official cited by AP. Israel has asked for the suspect to be transferred to Israel, though it was unclear whether that request would be granted. Netanyahu said the UAE's president agreed that Israel would join the interrogation.
Wider Context
The remarks come against a backdrop of heightened US-Iran tension. Reports this year describe a US and Israeli military campaign against Iran that began on 28 February, and Iranian attacks across the region. In that environment, any suggested link to Tehran carries significant diplomatic and security weight.
Trump has also used strong language about Iran in recent days. A PBS NewsHour listing for 6 October noted that remarks by Trump about Iran attacking US cities drew both cheers and criticism.
What to Watch
- Whether investigators publish evidence about the copilot's motive or any outside links.
- Whether Saudi Arabia agrees to transfer the suspect to Israel.
- How Iran responds to Trump's remarks.
- Any change in aviation security procedures for cockpit access and crew vetting.
This story is developing. Allegations about the copilot have not been proven, and no link to any state has been confirmed. Details come from AP, CBS News, The Irish Times and The Tribune.