Donald Trump stated that Iran will face severe consequences if linked to a pilot's attack on a flydubai flight bound for Israel. The alleged assault reportedly caused a struggle for control of the aircraft, leading to an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.
Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the suspect had undergone "Islamist radical indoctrination." The co-pilot, who was an Omani national, was transferred from Saudi Arabia to the UAE on Thursday.
Witnesses reported the plane lost approximately 17,000 feet of altitude within a single minute. Israeli officials characterized the event as "an attempted terrorist attack."
Miryam Shira Ohayon stated that the aircraft was "pretty much out of control" as the incident unfolded over Jordan. Consequently, flydubai announced it would suspend all flights to Israel.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog announced he would honour five Israelis who helped subdue the co-pilot and avert the plane's crash. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates opened an investigation to determine if the incident related to terrorism.
In separate developments, Washington deployed extra Patriot missile batteries to both Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier and its strike group were observed heading towards the Middle East.
Regarding regional tensions, Trump denied offering Iran sanctions relief or releasing frozen funds in exchange for nuclear concessions. Tehran asserts it possesses the right to advance nuclear technology for peaceful aims as a signatory to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
