Jakarta, ThedailyID — US President Donald Trump warned Iran of a possible military response if Tehran is found to be linked to the Flydubai incident.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, October 1, Trump said the US would consider retaliation if an investigation confirms Iranian involvement.
“They’ll be hit very hard, don’t worry,” Trump said, according to Anadolu Agency.
The warning followed an incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The Boeing 737 MAX 8 diverted to Saudi Arabia after a violent confrontation in the cockpit.
Flydubai confirmed that an altercation occurred in the flight deck. Crew members then intervened and secured the aircraft before it made an emergency landing in Tabuk.
The incident initially raised fears of a hijacking. The aircraft transmitted emergency code 7700 before sending code 7500, which signals unlawful interference.
Flight-tracking data also showed a sudden drop in altitude during the incident. The plane fell more than 14,000 feet in less than a minute, according to reports.
Israeli officials later said the incident involved the co-pilot allegedly attacking the captain and attempting to crash the aircraft. Passengers helped subdue the attacker, allowing a reserve crew to take control.
The plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia. Authorities from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Israel are investigating the incident and its possible motive.
Trump’s comments came as investigators continued examining whether Iran had any connection to the incident. However, Reuters reported that no motive had been established and Israeli officials said an initial assessment suggested the co-pilot may have acted alone.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said it was too early to determine whether Iran was involved. He said investigators would seek to establish the attacker’s background and whether he had accomplices.
The investigation therefore remains ongoing. At this stage, Trump’s warning reflects a conditional response rather than a confirmed finding that Iran was involved.
