US President Donald Trump has suggested Iran was behind the failed hijacking of a Flydubai flight to Israel, warning Tehran would be struck “very hard” if proven responsible. He spoke to reporters on October 1, 2026, as he left the White House.

“I would say the answer, based on what I’m hearing, is yes, but we’re working on it right now,” Trump said. Asked about retaliation, he replied: “Oh they’ll be hit, very hard, don’t worry.” He suggested the Omani co-pilot “could’ve been” an agent of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The co-pilot attacked Captain Smit Machchhar, an Indian national, in the cockpit of flight FZ1073 carrying 182 people from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The plane plunged before passengers and crew subdued the attacker and diverted to Saudi Arabia. No passengers were killed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was “too early to say” whether Iran was involved. Two Israeli security officials said the initial assessment was that the co-pilot likely acted alone, with the investigation ongoing.