Trump Vows To Hit Iran ‘Very Hard’ If Linked To Flydubai Attack

US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would face severe retaliation if Tehran is found to have been involved in an incident involving a Flydubai passenger aircraft bound for Israel.

Trump issued the warning on Thursday while speaking to reporters, saying the United States would respond strongly if Iranian involvement in the incident was established.

Asked whether Washington would retaliate against Iran if it was linked to the incident, Trump said Iran would be “hit very hard”.

The warning followed an incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073, which was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv when an altercation occurred in the cockpit.

According to reports, the co-pilot allegedly attacked and injured the captain, after which the aircraft entered a rapid descent. Passengers and crew members intervened and helped regain control of the situation.

The flight was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely. The aircraft was carrying more than 170 people.

The motive behind the incident remains under investigation, while authorities in several countries are examining the circumstances surrounding the attack and whether it had any connection to terrorism.

Trump told reporters that he believed there could be an Iranian connection based on information he had received, but he did not provide evidence or details supporting the claim. He also indicated that investigations were still ongoing.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has separately said the suspect was being investigated and described the incident as a serious security matter.

The co-pilot, reported to be an Omani national, remains under investigation. Authorities from Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United States and Oman are involved in inquiries into the incident.

Flydubai has said the aircraft was secured by crew members before being diverted and safely landed in Saudi Arabia.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran, with diplomatic efforts to end the ongoing regional conflict continuing alongside increased military activity.

Trump’s warning adds further pressure to an already tense situation, although no US military action against Iran has been announced specifically in response to the Flydubai incident.