Several people familiar with the matter told The Wall Street Journal on Friday that the UAE-based carrier flydubai hired the pilot despite concerns about his radicalization.
The fire comes amid escalating hostilities between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis, who have stepped up attacks on Saudi cities and energy infrastructure.
Iraq has become central to Iran's strategic chessboard in the region as Tehran seeks to expand its influence while navigating increasing US sanctions.
BEHIND THE LINES: From Syria and the eastern Mediterranean to the Red Sea, Israel and Turkey are increasingly finding themselves on opposite sides of the region’s most consequential flashpoints.
The co-pilot attacked the pilot inside the cockpit with an axe and attempted to take control of the aircraft, the prosecutor general said.
The US and its partners said they would strengthen intelligence sharing to prevent Iran from acquiring or transferring technology linked to the development of weapons of mass destruction.
Trump reportedly discusses next steps of war at secret Camp David meeting • US pushes for pressure on Iran • Yemen claims 20 strikes carried out on Houthis
Oman has emerged as a key player in recent months after long serving as a central mediator between Washington and Tehran.
The report follows comments by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after the attempted hijacking, saying that the hijacker underwent radical Islamist indoctrination and was clearly suicidal.
Reuters also reported Friday that Saudi Arabia is preparing an offensive against the Houthis to break the chokehold and secure the shipping routes in the Red Sea.
US President Donald Trump's administration is deliberating on how to approach the Iran war, now in its eighth month, as US midterm elections approach in November.
