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.

India’s Embassy in Riyadh said Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar, injured while helping avert an in-flight crisis, is currently stable and receiving medical treatment at a hospital in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia. The embassy and Consulate General in Jeddah are monitoring his condition, awaiting a detailed health update and remaining in contact with his family to provide assistance. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Machchhar as a “true hero,” saying he was seriously injured but resisted the attacker, opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew to overpower the assailant. Netanyahu said Machchhar saved 174 people. Israeli diplomat Reuven Azar said the pilot and others helped save 180 souls, while wishing Machchhar a full recovery. 

US President Donald Trump praised Indian Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “hero” after the pilot was stabbed by his Omani co-pilot during a Dubai-Tel Aviv flight. Trump said Machchhar was in “very bad shape” but retained enough presence of mind to help prevent an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. Recounting details shared with him by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump said Machchhar managed to open the cockpit door after being attacked with a knife, then fell back and “scream[ed] for help.” Passengers subsequently managed to overpower the co-pilot and helped ensure the aircraft landed safely in Saudi Arabia. Trump praised Machchhar’s actions while describing the injured Indian pilot as a hero.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Indian Flydubai pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “HERO” for his courage during an alleged cockpit attack aboard flight FZ1073 from Dubai to Tel Aviv. The Boeing 737 MAX 8, carrying 174 people, experienced a violent confrontation when the co-pilot allegedly stabbed Machchhar in an apparent attempt to crash the aircraft. Despite being seriously injured, Machchhar reportedly opened the cockpit door, allowing passengers and crew to intervene and restrain the co-pilot. Two off-duty pilots travelling as passengers then helped regain control of the aircraft, which diverted to Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, and landed safely. Both pilots were hospitalised; Machchhar was stable, while Saudi authorities arrested the other pilot, according to Reuters.

Cristiano Ronaldo has left Portugal’s national team training camp in Copenhagen, sparking controversy ahead of the Nations Cup. Ronaldo said he made the decision after speaking with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proenca and following the national team coach’s press conference. He promised to reveal the truth about the reasons behind his departure at the appropriate time. European media have reported details involving Ronaldo, Portugal manager Jorge Jesus and the federation president, reigniting debate over the veteran forward’s position within the national setup and his relationship with the coaching staff. The controversy reportedly began during Portugal’s UEFA Nations League match against Norway, when Ronaldo remained on the bench throughout despite warming up. Goncalo Ramos scored the winning goal. (PC: X)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Indian pilot Captain Smit Machchhar as a “true hero” following the dramatic cockpit attack aboard flydubai flight FZ1073. Machchhar was stabbed during a confrontation with his co-pilot but resisted, opened the cockpit door and enabled passengers and crew members to intervene, according to the report. His actions were credited with helping prevent a major mid-air disaster. The aircraft, carrying more than 170 people, was subsequently diverted to Saudi Arabia and landed safely in Tabuk. Netanyahu’s praise came after the incident in which the Indian pilot faced the cockpit attack but helped create an opportunity for others aboard the aircraft to intervene and assist during the emergency.

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.