US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran on October 2, stating Tehran would be hit "very hard" if it is confirmed responsible for the attack on a Flydubai passenger flight.
Speaking before departing the White House for Texas, Trump indicated that ongoing investigations were considering a possible Iranian link in the incident involving the co-pilot.
"We're working on it right now. They're being very open with us. Uh, I would say the answer based on what I'm hearing is yes, but we're working on it right now," Trump told reporters.
When asked if the co-pilot might have been placed on board by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps or radicalised otherwise, Trump responded, "It could have been, yeah." However, he did not present any evidence and emphasized that investigations continue.
Regarding US response if Iran was behind the event, Trump declared, "Oh, they'll be hit very hard. Don't worry. You just ask them. They know what happened. They'll be hit very hard."
Expanding on the topic, Trump criticised Iran's economy and military, citing "301 per cent inflation" and that the country "has no military" or "anti-aircraft computers." He also affirmed US control over the Strait of Hormuz.
"We took out more oil in the last two days than at any time in the history of the Strait, and that includes before the war," Trump claimed, showcasing US strategic strength.
Praising American forces, the President commented, "Our Navy is incredible. Our military is incredible, the job they've done. Now I have to make a decision. They'll either sign a very fair deal or they won't exist any longer."
Trump reiterated that Iran would not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons, saying, "They cannot have nuclear weapons and they won't have, and they're agreeing not to have."
questioned about the Iran conflict's political implications for the US midterm elections, Trump acknowledged potential impact but stressed his stance against Iran's nuclear ambitions could aid his position.
The Flydubai incident involved a flight originally bound for Israel that was diverted to Saudi Arabia after the co-pilot allegedly attacked the Indian captain and tried to crash the plane. The captain unlocked the cockpit, enabling intervention and a safe landing. Investigations by several countries are ongoing, with no public confirmation of Iranian involvement as of October 2.
This event occurred amid escalating US-Iran tensions, and Trump's comments highlighted a firm US position while investigations proceed.
