Trump warns Iran of severe retaliation if linked to Flydubai attack

US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would be “hit very hard” if it is found to have been involved in an alleged attempt by a flydubai co-pilot to crash a passenger aircraft bound for Israel.

The warning came as investigators in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Israel examined the incident, in which the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain before passengers and other crew members intervened and helped prevent the plane from crashing.

The flydubai flight, FZ1073, was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on 30 September when the aircraft suddenly plunged more than 16,000 feet in about 30 seconds, according to flight data reviewed by Reuters. The plane was carrying more than 170 people.

The injured captain, Indian national Smit Machchhar, managed to open the cockpit door after being attacked, allowing passengers to rush in and restrain the co-pilot. Two off-duty pilots who were also on board subsequently helped regain control of the aircraft.

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UAE official says flydubai attack 'terrorist act' as he praises pilot

The plane made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The passengers were later flown to Israel on a replacement flight, while the injured captain received medical treatment.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump was asked whether Iran was involved in the incident.

“I would say the answer, based on what I’m hearing, is yes, but we’re working on it right now,” he said.

Asked whether the United States would retaliate against Iran if Tehran were found responsible, Trump replied: “Oh, they’ll be hit very hard, don’t worry.”

The UAE has launched an investigation into whether the incident involved terrorist activity or intent. Saudi authorities said their initial investigation indicated that the co-pilot had attacked the captain and confirmed that he was later transferred to the UAE with an Emirati security team.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the co-pilot underwent what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination.” Netanyahu also said investigators were examining whether the suspect had been acting alone or had been sent by another party. However, there has been no confirmed evidence publicly linking Iran to the incident.

Netanyahu has praised Captain Machchhar and the passengers who intervened, saying their actions prevented a major disaster. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has also said he would honour five Israeli passengers who helped overpower the co-pilot.

The incident has also raised questions about aviation security and the vetting of the co-pilot, who has been identified by officials as an Omani national. Investigators are continuing to examine his background and the motive behind the alleged attack.

Trump’s warning came amid increased US military activity in the Middle East. Reports have said Washington has deployed additional Patriot missile batteries to Saudi Arabia and Qatar and that the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group is heading towards the region.