Israel recalled its fighter jets when the aircraft turned toward Saudi Arabia, about 400 miles from Israel, CBS reported. The September 30 flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv landed safely in Tabuk after passengers and crew subdued the co-pilot, who attacked Captain Smit Machchhar with the cockpit’s emergency axe. UAE prosecutors have classified the incident as an attempted terrorist attack.
President Donald Trump said Monday that he personally believed Iran was responsible, offering no evidence. Asked whether Tehran was behind the attack, he replied: “I do. I personally do.” Earlier that day, Vice President JD Vance told reporters: “I haven’t seen anything conclusive yet on an Iranian role in the Flydubai incident.” CBS reported that Israeli investigators believe the attacker likely acted alone, though other possibilities remain under investigation.