President Donald Trump on Monday alleged that Tehran could have been involved in the foiled Flydubai incident on flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv, when a co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain of the flight with an emergency crash axe inside the cockpit.
Trump Says He ‘Personally’ Believes Iran Was Involved
Speaking to the press, the President was asked if he suspected Iranian involvement in the incident that occurred last Wednesday. “I do, I personally do,” Trump said before walking away.
Following the incident, Trump last week hinted that Tehran may have been involved in the incident; “based on what I’m hearing,” he said when asked if Iran played a role in the incident, according to a CBS News report on Oct.1.
The White House did not immediately respond to Benzinga‘s request for comment.
JD Vance Remains Cautious
Vice President JD Vance was also asked about suspected Iranian involvement in the incident that saw the Boeing Co. (NYSE:BA) 737 MAX 9 reportedly descend 17,400 feet in less than two minutes.
Speaking to the press on Monday, Vance said that he would “defer” to CIA Director John Ratcliffe for any comments on Iran’s role in the incident. “I don’t want to get ahead of any announcements here, but it’s certainly something we’re looking at,” Vance said.
The Vice President then said that he had not come across any evidence pointing to Iran’s role. “I wouldn’t say I’ve seen anything conclusive just yet,” Vance said.
Iran War Updates
As tensions escalate between Washington and Tehran, Iran’s Security Chief Mohsen Rezaee warned that the country was facing one of its “most difficult periods” as the Rial continues to fall amid sanctions and economic restrictions imposed by the U.S. as part of “Operation Economic Outcast” touted by Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
According to ship tracker Kpler, the flow of oil out of the Middle East, including through the Strait of Hormuz, has exceeded pre-war levels. However, data from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center (UKMTO) also showed that the attacks on vessels had increased as well.
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