Washington — On Thursday, President Trump indicated that the FlyDubai co-pilot, who allegedly attempted to crash a flight bound for Israel, may have connections to Iran. He based this assertion on information he has received but did not elaborate further.
Trump’s comments went beyond those of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who stated it is “too early to say” whether Iran was involved in the incident. The co-pilot reportedly attacked the captain during the approach to Tel Aviv from Dubai. Fortunately, the captain managed to unlock the cockpit door, and passengers were able to restrain the co-pilot before off-duty pilots executed an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
When queried about the possibility of the co-pilot being placed on the flight by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or if he had been radicalized, Trump responded, “It could be, yes.”
Netanyahu, speaking to CBS News on Wednesday, noted that the motives behind the co-pilot’s actions remain unclear. He expressed skepticism that it was a hijacking, stating, “It appears more like a suicide attempt.”
The Israeli Prime Minister confirmed that the co-pilot is currently being interrogated in Saudi Arabia. He also added in an interview with Fox News that Israel is aware the co-pilot had undergone “Islamist radical indoctrination.” Should it be determined that Iran orchestrated the foiled attack, Trump warned of significant repercussions.
The identity of the co-pilot has not yet been disclosed. An Omani official informed CBS News that the individual was born in Oman and holds Omani citizenship, though the Omani government has not publicly verified this information.
Emma Nicholson contributed to this report.
