Trump Links Iran to Flydubai Pilot Incident, Threatens Tehran

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the United States is investigating whether the pilot involved in an incident on a Flydubai flight has ties to Iran. Responding to a question about the possibility of the pilot being planted by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Trump replied, "It could be, yes." He further warned Iran, "Either there will be a deal, or they will cease to exist." Trump indicated that the U.S. is working closely with authorities on the matter and that preliminary information suggests a connection, though investigations are ongoing.

The incident involved a Flydubai plane that landed in Saudi Arabia with a broken wing. Trump mentioned speaking at length with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting the co-pilot was a terrorist or mentally unstable and attacked the pilot, who was in serious condition. Trump also credited an Israeli plumber, Yaniv Hayun, who was on board, with intervening after hearing screams, noting that Hayun had never flown a plane before but was a strong individual.

Meanwhile, the Saudi Ministry of Interior announced that the captain and co-pilot of the Flydubai flight, the latter suspected of the attack, had left Saudi Arabia for Abu Dhabi after their medical conditions improved. They departed under the escort of a security team from the United Arab Emirates.

In a broader context, Trump reiterated his stance on Iran, stating, "When Iran goes, its proxies, like Hezbollah, will go too." He framed his policy as a choice between reaching a "deal" or ensuring Iran's non-existence.