Trump Warns Iran of 'Very Hard' Strike Over FlyDubai Flight Incident
U.S. president links Tehran to copilot stabbing on Israel-bound jet and threatens retaliation if involvement is confirmed.
KEY POINTS
- Trump threatens "very hard" strike on Iran if linked to FlyDubai incident
- Copilot stabbed captain and tried to crash Dubai-Tel Aviv flight
- Crew subdued attacker and landed safely at Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
- Netanyahu calls episode a terrorist attack; several crew hospitalized
- U.S. sends ~9,000 troops and carrier group to Middle East amid stalled talks
President Donald Trump said Thursday that Iran would be hit "very hard" if investigators confirm Tehran's involvement in the FlyDubai flight incident. The jet, en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, diverted to Saudi Arabia after the copilot stabbed the captain and attempted to crash the aircraft.
Trump told reporters at the White House that, based on what he is hearing, the answer is yes regarding Iranian involvement, though work continues. He declined to elaborate on the basis for his suspicion.
“Oh they'll be hit, very hard, don't worry.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the episode a "terrorist attack." The crew regained control and landed at Tabuk airport in Saudi Arabia, where several crew members were hospitalized.
The warning comes as diplomatic efforts to end the seven-month war appear stalled. Iranian officials said Wednesday they received a formal U.S. response to their latest proposal, which Trump had publicly rejected days earlier.
The U.S. military has dispatched roughly 9,000 troops aboard a group of ships to the Middle East, potentially placing three carriers in the region by late October.
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