Iran has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of being behind the Flydubai cockpit incident, describing it as an alleged ‘false flag’ operation.
The claim was made by Iran’s state-run Press TV, which alleged that the incident was designed to strengthen Netanyahu’s political position and create a pretext for renewed confrontation with Iran. The allegations have not been independently established.
Iran has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of being behind the Flydubai cockpit incident, describing it as an alleged ‘false flag’ operation.
The claim was made by Iran’s state-run Press TV, which alleged that the incident was designed to strengthen Netanyahu’s political position and create a pretext for renewed confrontation with Iran. The allegations have not been independently established.
A ‘false flag’ operation generally refers to an incident that is allegedly staged or presented in a way that makes another party appear responsible, potentially to justify a response against it.
What happened on Flydubai flight?
The controversy follows an incident aboard Flydubai Flight FZ1073 travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv on September 30.
Indian Captain Smit Machchhar was attacked and seriously injured by the Omani co-pilot inside the cockpit. The aircraft then rapidly lost altitude before passengers and crew intervened. Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door, allowing passengers to help overpower the attacker. The plane was subsequently diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, where it landed safely.
The flight was carrying 174 people, according to reports. Investigations by authorities in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Israel are continuing, while the motive behind the incident remains under investigation.
Iran links incident to Netanyahu’s UAE visit
Iranian media has also linked the incident to an alleged secret visit by Netanyahu to Abu Dhabi shortly before the episode. According to the Press TV report, Netanyahu allegedly met Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed during the visit.
The report claimed that the alleged plan was to target an Israel-bound aircraft, portray the incident as a terrorist attack and connect it to Iran, thereby creating support for possible renewed military action against Tehran.
Netanyahu raises Iran link
Netanyahu has described the incident as a serious security threat and said investigators would examine whether the attacker had accomplices or any connection to Iran. However, Israeli officials have said it was too early to establish an Iranian link and no evidence has publicly confirmed Tehran’s involvement.
The Israeli prime minister has also alleged that the co-pilot had undergone Islamist radical indoctrination, while investigations into the incident continue.
