Trump Links Iran to Flydubai Incident, Explains Bomber Relocation

U.S. President Donald Trump addressed reporters at the White House before departing for Nebraska, discussing several pressing international issues. Among the topics were the urgent withdrawal of American B-1 bombers from the UK, Iran's potential involvement in an incident on a Flydubai flight, and reports of a plague outbreak in Russia. The transcript was published by the American publication Roll Call.

When questioned about the reason for the rapid redeployment of 12 B-1 bombers from RAF Fairford in southern England, Trump confirmed specific threats prompted the move. "Yes, I think you can say that," he stated, explaining that the aircraft were relocated "not very far" to avoid confronting an adversary. He added that the U.S. knew who was behind the threat. The withdrawal occurred late last week following intelligence about a potential attack, with Iran reportedly behind the planning. Some aircraft reportedly departed before tanker planes could be refueled, and five men detained near the base were later released on bail, with no explosives found in their vehicles.

Trump also stated his belief that Iran was responsible for an incident on a Flydubai flight. A journalist asked if he thought Iran was responsible for the "terrorist act," to which Trump replied, "Yes. Personally, I think so." The incident involved a co-pilot attacking the captain and attempting to seize control of the aircraft, which landed safely in Saudi Arabia. Following this, Al-Qaeda supporters reportedly called for further aviation attacks against Americans and Israelis, praising the Flydubai incident alongside the September 11th attacks.

Regarding reports of plague in Russia, Trump expressed sympathy and concern, noting it was a serious illness. He mentioned that microbes had become stronger and more resilient, making treatment more difficult. While he had not yet discussed the matter with Vladimir Putin, Trump assured that the U.S. was ready to help and would "help as much as we can." He reiterated that the U.S. was closely studying the situation, which had been referred to as pneumonia, a condition that was once easier to treat. The White House's attention was drawn to the death of a researcher at the Irkutsk Scientific Research Anti-Plague Institute, who reportedly contracted the disease after breaking a vial. She was hospitalized with severe pneumonia and died on October 2nd. Following her death, quarantine measures were implemented, and nearly 200 contacts were placed under observation. However, Russian health authorities have not officially confirmed plague as the cause of death or detailed the circumstances of the potential infection.