Trump vows to hit Iran ‘very hard’ if linked to flydubai attack

US President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that Iran may have been responsible for an attack by a pilot on a flydubai flight to Israel. If found guilty, Iran would face severe consequences. The co-pilot allegedly assaulted the captain before passengers managed to prevent the plane from crashing. Israel's Prime Minister claimed the individual had been subjected to Islamist radical indoctrination.

When asked by reporters, Trump confirmed the possibility of Iran's involvement, stating, "I would say the answer, based on what I'm hearing, is yes but we're working on it right now." He added that the United States would retaliate against Iran if found responsible, emphasizing, "Oh, they'll be hit very hard, don't worry." Trump's threat of retaliation came as he adopted a tougher stance on the ongoing Iran conflict.

He reportedly hinted at resuming bombing operations against Iran after the US midterm elections in November, citing potential loss of Congress control due to his low approval ratings on the Iran war and rising living costs due to high oil prices. Trump reiterated his previous declaration of annihilating Iran to ensure global peace, despite previous claims of seeking peace with Iran.

Iran continues to maintain control over the critical Strait of Hormuz more than seven months after the initial US and Israeli strikes against the Islamic Republic. The United States plans to deploy a third aircraft carrier and up to 10,000 additional service members to the region by the end of November, according to the Wall Street Journal.