US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face a severe response from Washington if an ongoing investigation establishes that Tehran was connected to an alleged attack aboard a Flydubai passenger aircraft travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Trump made the comments on Thursday as investigators continued examining the incident, which occurred on a flight carrying 182 people. The aircraft was eventually diverted to Saudi Arabia after an alleged confrontation in the cockpit left the captain injured.
Asked by reporters at the White House whether Iran was involved, Trump said he believed there could be a connection based on information he was receiving, while stressing that the investigation was still underway.
The US president was then asked what Washington would do if Iranian involvement was confirmed. Trump responded that Iran would be “hit very hard,” signalling the possibility of further US action if investigators establish a link.
What happened aboard the Flydubai flight?
The incident involved Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv in Israel.
According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain inside the cockpit and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The captain was able to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to intervene and restrain the attacker.
The aircraft was subsequently diverted and landed safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The injured captain survived the incident.
Flydubai has described the event as an “altercation” in the flight deck and said crew members intervened before the aircraft was safely diverted.
The exact motive behind the incident has not yet been established.
Iran connection remains unconfirmed
While Trump has suggested that Iran could be connected to the incident, the claim remains part of an ongoing investigation rather than an established finding.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken a more cautious position, saying it was too early to determine whether Iran was responsible. Reports say the suspected attacker is an Omani citizen and is being questioned in Saudi Arabia.
Trump was also asked whether the attacker might have been placed on the flight by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or influenced through radicalisation. He indicated that either possibility could not be ruled out, but did not provide evidence supporting the claim.
The investigation involves authorities from several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Oman and the United States.
The UAE has said it is examining possible terrorist intent as part of its investigation into the incident.
Trump takes tougher position on Iran
Trump’s warning comes amid already heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The US president has recently adopted a tougher position in discussions surrounding the ongoing conflict with Iran. He has also indicated that further military action could be possible if diplomatic efforts fail.
His latest comments therefore add another potential flashpoint to an already volatile situation in the Middle East.
However, there has been no official finding establishing that the Iranian government directed or supported the Flydubai cockpit incident.
Flydubai suspends Dubai-Israel flights
Following the incident, Flydubai suspended its flights between Dubai and Israel while authorities investigate what happened.
Israeli airlines have meanwhile sought permission to resume flights between Israel and Dubai, with plans for additional services aimed partly at helping passengers affected by the disruption.
The incident has also prompted renewed questions about aviation security, particularly regarding procedures involving flight crew members rather than passengers.
For now, investigators are focused on determining the attacker’s motive, the circumstances surrounding the cockpit confrontation and whether there was any external involvement.
Trump’s warning represents a conditional threat rather than an announcement of new military action. Any decision by Washington would depend, among other factors, on what investigators establish about the Flydubai incident.
Until those inquiries are completed, the alleged Iranian connection remains unconfirmed.
