Iran’s terrifying new terror tactic may be turning airline pilots into 9/11-style attackers, former IDF colonel warns

Iran appears to be expanding its terrorism playbook beyond its borders, targeting civilian aviation in a manner reminiscent of the 2001 attacks. A former Israeli Defense Forces colonel, cited by the New York Post, warns that Tehran may be grooming airline pilots to become 9/11‑style operatives. The claim flips the usual expectation that Iran’s reach is limited to regional proxies.

WTOP News analysis explores the possibility of Iran taking its war abroad, while the Hudson Institute explicitly links Tehran to recent terrorist plots. Investigations reported by jpost.com uncovered Iran‑linked social‑media accounts masquerading as Israelis to influence an election, underscoring a pattern of covert influence. The independent.co.uk piece elaborates on Iran’s asymmetric warfare tactics, highlighting the use of deception and non‑state actors.

None of the sources provide concrete numbers on pilot recruitment or detail operational steps, leaving the true scope of the scheme uncertain. The reports stop short of confirming any active plots involving flight crews, making the alleged tactic a warning rather than a documented incident.