A possible Iran connection has emerged in the investigation into the Flydubai cockpit attack after US President Donald Trump said he believed there may be a link. However, investigators have yet to establish Iran’s involvement or determine whether the incident was directed by anyone else.
Washington DC: US President Donald Trump has suggested that Iran may be linked to the attempted attack aboard a Flydubai flight, while warning that Tehran would face a strong response if such a connection is established. The alleged Iranian link has not been confirmed by investigators.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump was asked whether Iran was connected to the incident involving Flydubai flight FZ1073.
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“I would say the answer, based on what I’m hearing, is yes, but we’re working on it right now,” Trump said, according to the account provided.
He added that if Iran was found to be responsible, “they’ll be hit very hard”.
Trump's comments represent an unconfirmed attribution. Investigators have not publicly established that Iran was involved in the incident.
Investigators are still establishing the motive
The Flydubai aircraft was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on Wednesday when an altercation occurred in the cockpit. The plane was diverted to Tabuk in Saudi Arabia and landed safely after crew members and passengers intervened.
The UAE has launched a formal investigation into the circumstances and motives behind the incident, including whether it involved terrorist activity, prior planning or outside direction. UAE authorities have specifically urged people to rely on official information and avoid speculation while the investigation continues.
Israeli officials have described the incident as an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft, while the precise motive remains under investigation. Reuters reported on Thursday that no motive had yet been determined and an initial assessment suggested the co-pilot may have acted alone.
The possibility of an Iranian connection has been raised publicly, but there is currently no confirmed evidence establishing such a link. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had also said it was too early to determine whether Iran was behind the incident.
The distinction is significant because the UAE investigation is examining several possible explanations, including terrorism and whether the incident was planned or directed by others.
What happened aboard FZ1073
The flight carried more than 170 people and experienced a rapid descent before an emergency was declared. The captain was injured during the cockpit confrontation, but the cockpit door was opened, allowing passengers to help restrain the attacker. A relief crew subsequently took control and the aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
The investigation involves authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel. The UAE says it has jurisdiction because the aircraft is registered in the country and operates under its flag.
Trump's remarks introduce a potentially significant geopolitical dimension to an incident whose motive has not yet been established. At present, an Iran connection remains an allegation rather than an investigative finding. The UAE's formal probe is expected to examine whether the attack was independently carried out or involved planning, direction or other outside connections.
The distinction between public statements and confirmed investigative findings will be important as authorities determine the motive behind the cockpit attack.
Published: 01 Oct 2026, 11:18 pm IST
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