An Omani co-pilot allegedly used a crash axe to attack Indian pilot Smit Machchhar aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv, according to a CBS News report. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also referred to the use of an axe in the incident. A crash axe is mandatory emergency equipment on commercial aircraft and is kept in the cockpit for use during emergencies. Such axes were moved from passenger cabins to cockpits after the September 11, 2001, attacks in the United States. The flight plunged sharply before landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The co-pilot's identity and motive remain unknown. (PC: NDTV)

Indian pilot Smit Machchhar and 4 Israeli passengers helped prevent a possible disaster aboard a flydubai flight travelling from Dubai to Tel Aviv. According to Israeli media reports, the Omani co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Despite his injuries, the Indian pilot opened the cockpit door and alerted the crew. Passengers Yaniv Hayun, Assaf Rajuan and Zvika Manes helped overpower and restrain the suspected attacker, while dentist Shota Musaev treated the injured pilot. The aircraft, carrying 174 passengers and 6 crew members, was diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Machchhar is recovering in hospital. (PC: NDTV)

The Flydubai mid-air incident has drawn attention to wider security concerns in the Middle East, including the Iran war and diplomatic contacts between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ). The incident involved an alleged attempt to hijack or bring down a Dubai-to-Tel Aviv flight, where Indian captain Smit Machchhar reportedly faced an attack by the co-pilot. The aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. The incident has raised questions about aviation safety amid regional tensions. However, any connection between the flight incident, the Iran war and the leaders’ discussions remains subject to verification as investigations continue. (PC: HT)

US President Donald Trump has said the war with Iran could end “very soon”, but warned that Washington faces a choice between launching further strikes and reaching a deal. “We blow them up or make a deal,” Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday. He said 18 Americans had been killed in the conflict, adding that “losing one is too many”. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed American forces had destroyed Iran’s navy, air force and defence systems. Meanwhile, reports said Secretary of State Marco Rubio had ordered Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s delegation to leave New York after negotiations stalled. (PC: Mint)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said it was “too early to say” whether Iran was involved in the flydubai incident, in which the co-pilot allegedly attacked the captain in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. Speaking to Fox News, Netanyahu said he did not know the exact background of the accused co-pilot but said he “obviously hated Israelis,” describing the alleged motive as “fanaticism and hatred of an incalculable level.” Netanyahu said the attacking pilot was being investigated in Saudi Arabia and could be taken to the United Arab Emirates, where he comes from or where he flew from. He added that Israel would follow the investigation and possibly participate in it.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said rejoining the European Union is among the options his government could examine while reshaping Britain’s long-term relationship with Europe. Speaking to the BBC, Burnham said the current Brexit arrangement had caused more damage than benefit and that he wanted to assess what was realistically achievable to repair ties with the bloc. His comments followed a Labour conference pledge to explore closer EU relations ahead of a postponed summit later this year. Burnham has also indicated he would not rule out seeking an election mandate to rejoin the EU, marking a shift from his earlier position. Conservative critics accused him of reopening Brexit divisions. French and Spanish leaders welcomed his comments. (PC: Times Now)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli passenger Yaniv Hayun helped prevent an attack resembling the 9/11 attacks after a Flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv experienced a cockpit incident. The aircraft made an emergency landing at Tabuk airport in northern Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, according to Reuters and Israeli officials. Initial assessments cited by Reuters said the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the Omani captain before cabin crew and passengers entered the cockpit and subdued him. The injured captain was identified as Indian national Smit Machchhar. Netanyahu said Hayun helped save the situation after the aircraft began plunging, describing his actions as preventing another 9/11. The supplied report says Netanyahu met Hayun, who told him the plane was “on the nose” downwards.

UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham said there were “strong indications” Iran played a part in the suspicious incident at RAF Fairford, a UK airbase operated by the US military and used during the ongoing war in Iran. The incident triggered a major bomb scare and led to five British nationals being arrested on terror charges. Burnham said the investigation remained ongoing, complex and serious, with British officials working closely with US counterparts. Iran has denied involvement. Three white vans were discovered near the airbase on Sunday, leading to the arrests of five London-based British men in their mid-20s. They were released on bail Monday, a decision criticised by US President Donald Trump, who said he would not have released them.

Unanswered question surrounding Flydubai flight FZ1073 is how a knife allegedly used by the co-pilot entered the cockpit. Boeing 737 MAX 8 was flying from Dubai to Tel Aviv with 174 people aboard when pilot allegedly stabbed the other, causing injuries. Cabin crew, passengers and off-duty pilots forced open the cockpit door, restrained the attacker and helped stabilise the aircraft before it diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. Israeli officials described the episode as an attempted terror attack, while Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said the suspect intended to crash the aircraft. Flydubai and authorities confirmed the emergency but have not explained weapon’s origin or screening path. Investigators are examining security breaches.

US President Donald Trump refused to rule out renewed strikes on Iran before November’s midterm elections, saying such action was possible. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran was fully prepared for renewed hostilities but remained open to diplomatic talks. Trump later said developments involving Iran would emerge “very soon” and described the US campaign as a “total military victory,” claiming Iran had been “virtually destroyed” and that Washington had “almost total control” of the Strait of Hormuz. He cited US and Iranian losses without providing further details. Meanwhile, Britain’s prime minister said there were “strong indications” Iran played a part in the RAF Fairford incident, while Israeli artillery struck Al-Khiam in southern Lebanon.