Kumar Bahukhandi
US President Donald Trump has said he “personally” believes Iran was responsible for the attempted terrorist attack aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, although investigators have not publicly established an Iranian connection. Photo: AFP
US President points finger at Tehran over attempted attack on Dubai-Tel Aviv flight, but Vice-President JD Vance says there is no conclusive evidence yet linking Iran to the incident
Key Highlights
- Donald Trump says he personally believes Iran was responsible for the flydubai attack.
- Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami is accused of attacking Indian Captain Smit Machchhar with a cockpit crash axe.
- UAE authorities have described the incident as an attempted terrorist attack.
- Passengers and crew overpowered the co-pilot before the aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia.
- Investigators are examining the attacker’s motive and whether others were involved.
- JD Vance says he has seen nothing conclusive establishing an Iranian connection.
- No publicly disclosed evidence currently establishes that Tehran directed the attack.
Washington: US President Donald Trump has said he “personally” believes Iran was responsible for the attempted terrorist attack aboard a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, sharpening his earlier suspicions about possible Iranian involvement even as investigators continue to examine the motive and any wider links.
Asked by reporters at the White House on Monday whether he believed Iran was responsible, Trump replied: “I do. I personally do.”
Trump did not publicly present evidence supporting the allegation. Vice-President JD Vance, meanwhile, struck a more cautious note, saying he had seen “nothing conclusive” connecting Iran to the attack.
The differing statements are significant because investigators have yet to publicly establish an Iranian role. AP reported that no concrete evidence currently links the suspect to Iran.
Captain Attacked With Crash Axe
The incident occurred aboard flydubai Flight FZ1073 on September 30, while the aircraft was travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
UAE authorities say Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit with a crash axe and attempted to seize control of the aircraft. The UAE has characterised the episode as an attempted terrorist attack.
Despite suffering serious injuries, Machchhar managed to unlock the cockpit door, allowing passengers and other crew members to enter and overpower the alleged attacker. A reserve pilot subsequently took control, and the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Investigators are now examining al-Hammami’s background and whether he acted alone or received assistance.
Reuters reported, citing two Israeli officials, that investigators believe the co-pilot had planned an attack even before joining flydubai. UAE-led investigations into his motive and possible connections remain under way.
Trump had earlier warned that Iran would face severe consequences if evidence established its involvement. At that stage, however, he said US authorities were still working to determine whether a connection existed.
His latest remarks go further by expressing his personal belief that Tehran bears responsibility, but the distinction between the President’s assessment and the evidence publicly established by investigators remains important.
