Trump says he personally believes Iran was responsible for foiled Flydubai attack

Washington, USA, October 6, 2026 — US President Donald Trump said Monday that he personally believes Iran was responsible for a foiled terrorist attack involving an Omani co-pilot aboard a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv.

“I do. I personally do,” Trump said when reporters asked whether he believed Iran was responsible for the attack. He made the remarks while speaking to the media at the White House.

The comments followed an attempted hijacking and crash on Flydubai Flight FZ1073 on September 30. Omani co-pilot Hamam al-Hammami allegedly attacked Indian Captain Smit Machchhar inside the cockpit with an axe in an attempt to bring down the aircraft.

Despite suffering severe injuries, Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers and off-duty crew members to enter and restrain the co-pilot.

The confrontation caused the aircraft to make a steep descent, dropping about 16,000 feet within two minutes before a hijacking distress signal was transmitted. The aircraft was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it made an emergency landing. All 180 people aboard disembarked without injury.

Reports cited by Nepal News said al-Hammami had planned to direct the aircraft toward Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport. The reports, citing Hebrew media sources, said he was detained and was being interrogated in the United Arab Emirates.

However, Trump’s assessment that Iran was responsible has not been established as a confirmed finding. US Vice President JD Vance said earlier that he had not seen conclusive evidence linking Iran to the attack, while Israeli officials have also said it was too early to determine whether Iran was involved.