US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would be “hit very hard” if investigators determine that Tehran was behind an attempted attack on a Flydubai flight bound for Israel.
Trump made the comments on Thursday after the co-pilot of Flydubai flight FZ1073 allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft as it approached Israel.
The captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to overpower the co-pilot. Reserve pilots on board then helped land the plane safely in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The captain was injured and later reported to be in stable condition.
Asked at the White House whether Iran was involved, Trump said, “I would say the answer, based on what I’m hearing, is yes,” while stressing that the matter was still being investigated.
“If it was responsible,” Trump said, Iran would be “hit very hard.”
The UAE has launched an investigation to establish the circumstances and motive behind the incident, including whether it was linked to terrorist activity or prior planning. Flydubai has also urged against speculation while the investigation continues.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the co-pilot had undergone what he described as Islamist radical indoctrination, although investigators have yet to establish the motive or any link to Iran.
Trump’s warning came amid renewed tensions over the Iran conflict. In a Time interview published Thursday, he said it was possible the United States could resume bombing Iran after next month’s midterm elections.
The Wall Street Journal also reported that the US plans to deploy a third aircraft carrier and up to 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East, further increasing the American military presence in the region.
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