US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would face a severe response if investigations establish that Tehran was involved in an incident in which a co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain of a flydubai flight bound for Israel.
The warning came a day after passengers reportedly intervened during the flight, helping prevent the aircraft from crashing before it made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
The mostly Israeli passengers were later flown back to Israel on a replacement aircraft.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump said he believed Iran could be connected to the incident, although he acknowledged that investigations were still underway.
Asked whether the United States would retaliate if Iran was found responsible, Trump said, “Oh, they’ll be hit very hard, don’t worry.”
The comments came as the United Arab Emirates launched an investigation into the incident, including whether it was linked to terrorism.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also claimed that the suspect had undergone what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination.”
Netanyahu said the suspect, identified as an Omani national, allegedly attacked the aircraft’s captain before attempting to interfere with the plane’s operation.
Saudi authorities said the co-pilot was later handed over to the UAE and accompanied by Emirati security personnel. According to Saudi officials, preliminary findings indicated that the suspect had attacked the captain, triggering a struggle for control of the aircraft.
Passengers reportedly rushed into the cockpit during the confrontation and helped restrain the co-pilot.
Flight-tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated that the aircraft rapidly lost a significant amount of altitude during the incident, with reports putting the drop at about 17,000 feet within a minute.
Netanyahu praised the captain, Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, and the passengers who intervened, crediting them with preventing a potential disaster.
The Indian ambassador to the UAE also visited Machchhar, with the embassy saying the pilot was in good condition and recovering.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the captain as a hero, saying his actions helped save lives.
One passenger, Miryam Shira Ohayon, said the aircraft appeared to be “pretty much out of control” during the incident and alleged that the co-pilot was attempting to carry out a suicide attack.
The UAE’s chief prosecutor said investigators would examine whether the incident involved terrorist activity or intent. Netanyahu said Israel would participate in the investigation, which would be led by the UAE.
The Israeli prime minister also said authorities would examine how the Omani national had been cleared to serve on flights to Israel, given existing restrictions involving nationals of countries without diplomatic relations with Israel.
Meanwhile, the United States has increased its military presence in the region. Reports said additional Patriot missile defence systems had been deployed to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, while the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier and its strike group were heading towards the Middle East.
Flydubai said another crew member who was travelling on the flight took control of the aircraft and landed it safely. The airline also announced the suspension of flights to Israel pending the outcome of the investigation.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog said five Israeli passengers who helped overpower the co-pilot would be recognised for their actions.
