US President Donald Trump has raised the possibility of an Iranian connection to the incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073, but Israeli security officials say no Iranian involvement has been identified so far. Meanwhile, the injured captain has been transferred to Abu Dhabi for further treatment, and Saudi Arabia has handed the suspected co-pilot over to the UAE, where an official investigation is examining the motive, any possible link to terrorism, and whether the incident was planned or directed in advance.

Responding to reporters at the White House on Thursday, October 1, Trump was asked whether he was aware of a possible link between the suspect and Tehran. He said the United States was investigating the matter, adding: “Based on what I’m hearing, the answer is yes.” However, he did not explain what information the assessment was based on. He also said the US response would be severe if Iran were found to have been behind the incident.

However, two Israeli security officials told Reuters that their initial assessment was that the co-pilot, whom Israel identified as an Omani national, had probably acted alone. They said Israel had so far found no evidence of Iranian involvement. Reuters also stressed that no Israeli official had formally blamed Iran for the incident at this stage. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, asked about possible Iranian involvement, said it was too early to draw conclusions.

Netanyahu nevertheless claimed that a review of the co-pilot’s background showed signs of “Islamist extremism” and said current evidence suggested the suspect had intended to bring down the aircraft. However, he said no final conclusion had yet been reached regarding the motive. Omani officials had not commented on claims about the suspect’s nationality or the incident by the time of publication.

Smit Machchhar

Captain Transferred to Abu Dhabi; Co-Pilot Handed Over to UAE

Captain Smith Machhar, the Indian pilot of flight FZ1073, has been transferred to Abu Dhabi for further medical care after receiving initial treatment in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The Indian Embassy in the UAE said he was in good condition and continuing to recover. India’s ambassador also visited him and his family in hospital.

Regarding the co-pilot, who is under suspicion, The Associated Press cited a regional official familiar with the investigation as saying he had been detained and handed over to the UAE by Saudi Arabia. The official said the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the United States and Oman were involved in parts of the investigation, and that all scenarios, including a possible terrorist motive and other factors, remained under review.

In the UAE, the Attorney General has ordered the formation of a specialised team comprising members of the Public Prosecution. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the investigation would examine not only the cause and motive of the incident, but also whether it was linked to terrorist activity or objectives, or involved prior planning or direction. The UAE says its judiciary has jurisdiction over any suspected crimes committed on board because the aircraft was registered in the country and operated under the UAE flag.