Washington, October 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
US President Donald Trump has said he personally believes Iran was behind the attempted attack on a Flydubai flight, while Vice President JD Vance has cautioned that he has not seen conclusive evidence linking Tehran to the incident.
Asked whether Iran was responsible for the incident, which involved an attempted hijacking of a Flydubai flight bound for Israel, Trump replied: “I do; I personally do.” He did not provide evidence to support the assertion.
Vance, however, said he was deferring the question of Iranian involvement to CIA Director John Ratcliffe and other intelligence officials.
“I don’t want to get ahead of any announcements there,” Vance said, adding that the possibility was being examined but he had not seen “anything conclusive just yet.”
The September 30 incident involved Flydubai Flight FZ1073, which was carrying more than 170 passengers, mostly Israelis, from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The Omani co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain and attempted to seize control of the aircraft before passengers intervened. The plane subsequently made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The UAE is leading the investigation.
The investigation has yet to establish whether the suspect acted alone or had links to a larger organisation or foreign government. Early reporting has indicated that investigators are examining possible motives and links.
Vance also said the incident had prompted the US administration to review procedures concerning foreign pilots, particularly to ensure that people considered flight risks do not gain access to aircraft.
Trump and Vance also addressed a separate security threat that prompted the United States to move its bombers from RAF Fairford in Britain. Trump confirmed that the aircraft had been relocated after threats were received, saying the US knew who was behind them.
Trump suggested the people behind the threat were linked to Iran and warned that Tehran would face serious consequences if it had moved combat drones into Britain. Vance said the administration believed with some confidence that Iran was seeking to engage in activities against the United States and others, but did not disclose further details.
The US bomber redeployment came after a suspected plot targeting RAF Fairford, with British authorities having detained several people near the base. The investigation into possible Iranian involvement remains ongoing.
Despite his warnings, Trump said he remained open to direct talks with Iran. He also reiterated that Tehran would not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.
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