US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on 1/10 that, based on what he was hearing, Iran could be involved in the attempted takeover of a flydubai plane on 30/9. "We are verifying the issue right now," Trump said. When asked if Washington would retaliate if Tehran was behind the incident, the US leader declared, "Don't worry, they will pay a very heavy price."

US President Donald Trump responds to reporters at the South Lawn, White House on 1/10. *Photo: AFP*

In an interview with Time magazine published the same day, Trump stated that the US might resume airstrikes against Iran after next month's midterm elections. The US President reiterated his threat to "wipe out Iran," which he made in a speech at the United Nations General Assembly last week. "By wiping out Iran, we will create peace in the world. With Iran, I don't think we can have peace," he emphasized.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on the same day that it was too early to confirm Iran's involvement in the incident. "We will clarify the attacker's background, see if he had accomplices or if Iran was behind the incident. There will be answers soon," he stated. Reuters quoted two Israeli security officials saying the country had not found any signs of Iran's involvement.

According to the Saudi Interior Ministry, the co-pilot was transferred from Saudi Arabia to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for investigation. "After his health improved and the medical team confirmed he was fit to leave, the man was taken to Abu Dhabi on the morning of 1/10 under the escort of a UAE security team. Initial investigation shows the co-pilot attacked the captain," the agency reported.

Passengers applauded and sang in celebration as the flydubai plane landed in Saudi Arabia on 30/9. *Video: X/@IsraelHayomHeb*

The incident involved flydubai flight FZ1073, based in the UAE, which activated transponder codes 7700 and 7500 on 30/9 while en route from Dubai to Tel Aviv, Israel. These codes are used for in-flight emergencies and hijacking attempts. The aircraft then repeatedly ascended and descended abruptly, unable to maintain a stable altitude. Israeli authorities lost contact with the plane throughout the incident. The Israeli Air Force deployed fighter jets to monitor, due to concerns of the plane being under control of an unauthorized person.

Contact was later re-established, and the plane made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The incident was caused by the co-pilot attacking the captain and attempting to crash the plane, but the captain fought back and received timely assistance from passengers.

By Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters)