United States President Donald Trump has threatened Iran with severe retaliation if Tehran is found to be behind an alleged attack on a flydubai flight bound for Israel.
Trump made the threat on Thursday while speaking to reporters at the White House, saying the United States was still investigating possible Iranian involvement in the incident.
The incident occurred on Wednesday when the co-pilot of a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft.
Passengers and crew members intervened as the aircraft reportedly plunged sharply, before another crew member helped divert the plane to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
Asked whether Iran was involved, Trump said the answer appeared to be yes based on information he was receiving, although he acknowledged that investigations were ongoing.
On whether Washington would retaliate against Tehran if Iran was found responsible, Trump said Iran would be “hit very hard.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the incident as a serious security threat but said it was too early to determine whether Iran was behind it. Reuters reported that Netanyahu said the co-pilot had undergone what he described as radical Islamist indoctrination.
The motive and any possible links to Iran remain under investigation.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with Tehran preparing for a possible renewed US military attack while diplomatic efforts continue.
