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Daily Express · Iran · 1 Oct 2026

The headline editorialises, passive voice hides who attacked, and the legal stakes go unmentioned.

5.4
/ 10 · article score
scored on 3 of 11 measures · thin coverage

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This article can be challenged under the Editors' Code of Practice, Clause 1 (Accuracy).

  • Amend the headline to make clear that the 'Iran-linked' characterisation is solely an unverified assertion by one political figure, for example: 'Trump claims FlyDubai hijacking was Iran-linked attack, but claim is unverified.'
  • Add a prominent verification caveat in close proximity to the passage quoting the unnamed passenger, making clear that the claims about the stabbing, the plummeting aircraft, and blood on passengers' shirts are unverified, single-source, and relayed at second hand via a television broadcast.
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Aggressor framingHeadline analysis

Trump says FlyDubai flight 'hijacking' is 'Iran-linked' attack in major bombshell

Trump says FlyDubai flight 'hijacking' is 'Iran-linked' attack in major bombshell The US President has issued an update. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments By Antonio Scancariello , News Reporter 18:21, Thu, Oct 1, 2026 Updated: 19:12, Thu, Oct 1, 2026 FlyDubai (Image: Getty) US President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran could be behind the alleged attack on a FlyDubai flight to Israel on Wednesday. Speaking to reporters, and after being asked whether he was asked if Iran was behind the alleged attack , Mr Trump said: "We're working on it. They're being open with us. I would say the answer, based on what I'm hearing, is 'yes,' but we're working on it." Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT After alleging that Iran could be connected to the attempted crashing of the flight, President Trump also said he will "hit" Iran "very hard," the Daily Express US reported. He also added that Iran "will be hit very hard. They know what happened". And Dror Balazada, the Iran correspondent for Israeli C14 News, said he was told by "a high-ranking Emirati official" that, although they are not "100% sure yet, this assessment that Iran was responsible for this incident is gaining strength". Get the latest news from around the world and more I would like to receive emails from the Daily Express featuring our latest products, services, offers, and promotions from across the Reach Plc family . Subscribe Invalid email You agree you are 18 or over. We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. You can unsubscribe at any time. More Info . Donald Trump erupts in X-rated rant during explosive Time interview in Oval Office Putin's 'Professor Doomsday' warns of nuclear annihilation - 'Millions will die' President Trump said Iran might be behind the alleged FlyDubai flight attack. (Image: Getty) Passengers on the flight from Dubai to Israel heard shouting and what appeared to be an altercation between them, and the aircraft lost altitude before touching down in Saudi Arabia. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The plane dropped from 33,000 feet to 17,000 feet in about a minute, leaving passengers and crew having to subdue the alleged attacker. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later said Saudi Arabia arrested the pilot of a FlyDubai flight. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT The flight had 150 people on board. It landed in Saudi Arabia , with all passengers reported to be safe. Dramatic accounts have since emerged of an alleged violent altercation involving the pilots. One passenger told Israel's Channel 12 that a pilot had been "stabbed" and the aircraft began to "plummet", while claiming people on board had blood on their shirts. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with Israeli Yaniv Hayun. (Image: Kobi Gideon/GPO) Indian national Smit Machchhar, who has clocked nearly 10,000 hours in the air, has been named as the pilot who was stabbed by his first officer as he tried to take control of flight FZ1073 from the UAE and bound for Tel Aviv, Israel. "He saved the lives of 174 people, including Israeli citizens and other nationals. I wish Captain Machchhar a speedy and full recovery. He is a true hero," Israel's PM Benjamin Netanyahu said. Mr Netanyahu later met one of the passengers, Yaniv, whom the PM said "broke into the cockpit" to help prevent the hijacking. The Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia said the "brave" Smit Machchhar was admitted to a hospital in Tabuk, a city in northwest Saudi Arabia, and is receiving necessary medical attention. FlyDubai said that all its flights to and from Israel will be temporarily suspended. A spokesperson said: "We are fully committed to supporting the ongoing investigation and maintaining the highest safety standards across our network. We remain in close coordination with government authorities, regulators and airport stakeholders and will review the suspension as more information becomes available. "We apologise to passengers whose travel plans have been affected and are working to provide support and alternative arrangements where possible." Donald Trump USA Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments

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