RismadarVoice Reporters
October 1, 2026
US President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with severe retaliation if investigations establish that Tehran was involved in the mid-air incident aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
Trump made the remarks on Thursday as authorities continued investigating the actions of a co-pilot accused of attacking the aircraft’s captain and attempting to interfere with the flight.
The incident occurred aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073 on Wednesday. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely after the situation was brought under control.
Asked at the White House whether he had received information linking Iran to the incident, Trump suggested such a connection was possible but acknowledged that the matter remained under investigation.
“I would say the answer, based on what I’m hearing, is yes, but we’re working on it right now,” Trump said.
Asked whether Washington would retaliate if investigators established Iranian involvement, Trump said Tehran would be “hit very hard.”
No evidence publicly establishing that the Iranian government directed or participated in the incident had been announced as of Thursday.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have opened an investigation to determine the circumstances and motive behind the incident, including whether it was connected to terrorism or involved prior planning or direction.
The investigation comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran as their conflict enters its eighth month.
Trump has also indicated that further US military action against Iran remains possible after the November midterm elections, as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continue.
Meanwhile, the United States is increasing its military presence in the Middle East, with additional troops and another aircraft carrier being deployed to the region.
The latest deployment is expected to add thousands of US military personnel to forces already operating in the Middle East.
Despite Trump’s comments, the precise motive behind the flydubai incident and whether the co-pilot acted independently or had links to any organisation or government remain under investigation.
