WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran could face a severe response if Tehran is found to have any connection with an alleged attempt to seize control of a Flydubai passenger aircraft bound for Israel.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he believed there could be an Iranian link, although he acknowledged that US authorities were still examining the matter.
Asked whether Washington would retaliate against Iran if such a connection were established, Trump said Iran would be “hit very hard.”
President Trump suggested the FlyDubai co-pilot who allegedly tried to crash a passenger plane en route to Israel is linked to Iran, “based on what I’m hearing.”
“We’re working on it right now,” Trump said Thursday. “They’re being very open with us. I would say the answer, based… pic.twitter.com/YUgTZvKV9Y
— CBS News (@CBSNews) October 1, 2026
The warning came as authorities in the United Arab Emirates launched an investigation into the incident to determine whether it involved terrorism, prior planning or any outside direction.
The incident occurred aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain during the flight.
The injured captain, Indian national Smit Machchhar, managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew members to enter and restrain the attacker. The aircraft subsequently landed safely at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia.
Saudi authorities said their initial investigation indicated that the co-pilot had assaulted the captain, leaving both pilots injured. The pilots were later transferred to the United Arab Emirates with the assistance of an Emirati security team.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the incident as an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft and said the co-pilot had displayed signs of radicalisation. However, authorities have yet to establish a definitive motive or confirm any connection to Iran.
Trump’s remarks came amid heightened US military activity in the Middle East, with American forces maintaining a significant presence in the region.
The incident has also triggered renewed questions over aviation security and the screening of pilots operating flights to Israel. Israeli officials have said the suspect was an Omani national, although his identity and background remain under investigation.
Passengers who helped overpower the attacker have been praised for preventing a potentially catastrophic outcome. Israeli President Isaac Herzog has also announced plans to honour several passengers who intervened during the struggle.
Captain Machchhar, who was injured in the attack, is recovering under medical care. Indian officials have praised his actions in helping avert the disaster.
Flydubai has suspended its flights to Israel while investigations into the incident continue.
