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US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would be “hit very hard” if it is found to have been involved in an alleged attempt by a co-pilot to crash a Flydubai flight bound for Israel.
The co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain during the flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv and attempted to take control of the aircraft before passengers and crew intervened. The plane eventually made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
Asked by reporters at the White House whether Iran was involved, Trump said, “I would say the answer, based on what I’m hearing, is yes, but we’re working on it right now.”
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Asked whether the United States would retaliate against Iran if Tehran was found responsible, Trump replied, “Oh, they’ll be hit very hard, don’t worry.”
Credit: Reuters
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said the co-pilot underwent what he described as “Islamist radical indoctrination”. However, Reuters reported that no evidence of Iranian involvement had been established as of Thursday, while authorities in Israel, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia continued investigating the incident.
The flight was carrying more than 170 people when the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and sent the aircraft into a steep descent. The injured captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers to subdue the attacker, while reserve pilots helped land the aircraft safely.
Trump raises prospect of renewed Iran strikes
Trump’s comments came as he adopted a tougher tone over the broader US conflict with Iran.
In an interview with TIME published on Thursday, Trump said it was “possible” that the US could resume bombing Iran after next month’s midterm elections.
Asked whether he could resume bombing after the elections, Trump replied, “Possible.”
He also repeated his recent threat to “annihilate” Iran, saying in the TIME interview that such an action remained possible.
“Yeah, I would do that. It’s possible,” Trump said when asked about his earlier threat.
Trump has said the US military campaign is aimed at preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The conflict has also affected shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
The US is meanwhile increasing its military presence in the Middle East. Reports on Thursday said the USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group and more than 2,000 US Marines were heading towards the region.
The developments come amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran, with efforts to reach an agreement to end the conflict still unresolved.
