U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would be hit “very hard” if investigators establish that Tehran was involved in the alleged cockpit attack aboard an Israel-bound Flydubai flight.
The warning comes after a terrifying mid-air incident in which the co-pilot of a Flydubai Boeing 737 MAX 8 allegedly stabbed Indian Captain Smit Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
The flight, carrying 182 people from the United Arab Emirates to Tel Aviv, reportedly plunged from 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet in approximately one minute as chaos erupted inside the cockpit.
As the situation deteriorated, distress codes 7700 and 7500 were transmitted, indicating an emergency and possible unlawful interference.
In an extraordinary act of courage, the bloodied captain reportedly managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to intervene, restrain the co-pilot and help stabilize the aircraft.
The plane was eventually diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. The attack reportedly caused severe damage to the aircraft’s rudder during the dramatic descent.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said the United States was investigating possible Iranian links to the incident. When asked whether Washington would retaliate if Iran was responsible, he responded, “Oh, they’ll be hit, very hard, don’t worry.”
However, no confirmed evidence of Iranian involvement has been publicly established.
Investigators are examining multiple possible motives, including terrorism and other personal or ideological factors. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has alleged that the suspect underwent Islamist indoctrination, while also acknowledging that it was too early to determine whether Iran was involved.
The suspect, an Omani national, was arrested following the incident. Authorities from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Israel, Oman and the United States have been involved in aspects of the investigation.
Meanwhile, the incident is unfolding against the backdrop of the ongoing seven-month war involving Iran and the United States. Washington has also dispatched additional military forces to the Middle East as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict continue.
Captain Smit Machchhar is recovering in Abu Dhabi and has received widespread praise for his actions during the terrifying ordeal.
The investigation now faces a critical question: Was this an isolated cockpit attack, an attempted act of terrorism or part of a wider conspiracy?
