Qatar Denies Claims of Capturing Iranian Pilots

Iran has called for the release of three pilots who it claims were captured by Qatar after two of its fighter jets were downed during a military operation at the onset of the US-Iran war. Brig Gen Mohammad Bagherzadeh of Iran alleged that these pilots, identified as Javad Salehi, Abdul Majid Dashtian, and Imran Behroshian, have been held captive for six months.

In a letter directed to Mirjana Spoljaric, the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Bagherzadeh emphasized that these claims were substantiated by the circumstances surrounding the fighters being taken down. He stated that the body of a fourth pilot, Majid Kazemi, had been returned to Iran after he was killed in the operation, which took place on March 2, 2026, marking the third day of the war.

Qatar has firmly denied these assertions, expressing astonishment at what they describe as misleading claims. According to Qatar’s foreign affairs spokesperson, Majed Mohammed Al Ansari, the pilots made contact after violating Qatari airspace but did not engage further.

Al Ansari clarified in a statement on X that Qatar acted within its rights, stating, ‘The necessary measures were taken to defend our territory in accordance with international law.’ He also mentioned that Qatari search and rescue teams diligently performed their duties in relation to the operation, including the search for the remains of the deceased pilot, Kazemi.

In the correspondence with the ICRC, Bagherzadeh criticized Qatar for allegedly violating the rights of the imprisoned pilots, insisting that they had been denied access to their families. Meanwhile, Al Ansari maintained that Qatar had extended an invitation for an Iranian team to conduct an investigation. This invitation, which was made back in April, aimed to allow Iranian officials to examine the findings related to the search and rescue operation, yet Tehran has not responded.

As the situation evolves, both nations remain entrenched in their positions regarding the treatment and status of the pilots, each awaiting further developments amidst ongoing tensions in the region.