US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would be “hit very hard” if Tehran is found to have been involved in an attempted attack aboard a Flydubai flight bound for Israel. Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday that Iran was likely to have been involved, although he stressed that the matter was still being investigated. The incident occurred on Flydubai flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30. The co-pilot allegedly attacked and stabbed the captain, causing the aircraft to enter a steep descent before passengers and crew intervened. The injured captain managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to restrain the attacker. The aircraft was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and landed safely. Investigations by authorities in the UAE, Israel and Saudi Arabia are continuing, and no evidence linking Iran to the incident has been publicly established so far. Trump was asked whether Tehran was behind the incident. North Waziristan Operation Seven militants killed in Eidak intelligence-based operation “I would say the answer, based on what I’m hearing, is yes but we’re working on it right now,” he said. Asked whether the US would retaliate if Iran were found responsible, Trump replied: “Oh, they’ll be hit very hard, don’t worry.” The warning came as Trump adopted a tougher position on the wider conflict with Iran. In an interview with TIME published on Thursday, he said it was “possible” that the United States could resume bombing Iran after the November midterm elections. Trump has previously said that the US campaign against Iran is aimed at preventing Tehran from developing a nuclear weapon. The conflict has also disrupted shipping and energy supplies through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The US president has separately rejected an Iranian proposal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and returning to negotiations, leaving diplomatic efforts under strain. Trump has also repeated threats of severe action against Iran, saying in the TIME interview that renewed bombing after the midterms remained possible. He did not provide details about potential targets. Meanwhile, US military preparations in the region are expanding. Reports have said Washington plans to deploy a third aircraft carrier and additional troops to the Middle East by November. The Wall Street Journal reported that the USS Theodore Roosevelt could join the two carriers already in the region, although it was unclear whether it would replace one of them. The latest developments have increased uncertainty over the future of the conflict, as Washington weighs military options while diplomatic efforts over Iran remain unresolved. Post navigation Christa Pike Tennessee execution attempt fails after Supreme Court clears way
