US President Donald Trump has warned that Iran would face a severe response if investigators uncover Iranian involvement in the incident aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.
The aircraft made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, after an incident in the cockpit that Israeli authorities and passenger accounts have linked to an alleged attack by the co-pilot on the captain.
Trump suggests possible Iranian link
Asked by reporters how the United States would respond if Tehran were found to be involved, Trump replied:
“They will be hit very hard, don’t worry.”
Speaking at the White House, the US president said he believed Iranian involvement was possible, although he stopped short of making a definitive accusation.
“I would say the answer is ‘yes’, based on what I am hearing, but we are looking into it,” Trump said.
Pentagon reportedly considering military reinforcement
In an interview with Time magazine published on Friday, Trump said he believed it was “possible” that attacks against Iran could intensify following the US midterm elections in November.
According to reports cited by the Wall Street Journal, the Pentagon is considering deploying an aircraft carrier and additional warships to the Gulf region, along with approximately 10,000 military personnel.
The deployment is reportedly being considered for late November.
US military presence already significant
Two US aircraft carriers are already operating in the Middle East.
It remains unclear whether any additional deployment would increase the overall US naval presence in the region or replace forces already stationed there.
The comments come as investigations continue into the Flydubai incident and amid rising tensions across the wider Middle East.
Source: ANA-MPA
