Qatar calls Iran’s claim ‘misleading’, denies capturing 3 pilots after March strike

Qatar has strongly denied Iranian allegations that its forces are holding three Iranian military pilots. The pilots were reportedly captured after their fighter jets were downed during a March operation. Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Mohammed Al-Ansari, called the claims misleading and ill-timed, given ongoing efforts to ease regional tensions.

Al-Ansari stated that Qatari authorities attempted to contact the pilots after their aircraft allegedly violated Qatari airspace but received no response. Qatar then acted under its rules of engagement to defend its territory. "We categorically deny the claims that have been circulated regarding the detention of Iranian pilots, and we are surprised by these misleading statements at this specific timing," Al-Ansari said on X.

He further explained that Qatari search and rescue teams, described as having "global efficiency and expertise," fulfilled their duty in searching for the pilots' remains. They later coordinated with Iran to hand over the remains of one pilot who was found. Qatar also extended an invitation in April for an Iranian team to examine the details of its search and rescue operations, but claimed Tehran had not responded.

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We categorically deny the claims that have been circulated regarding the detention of Iranian pilots, and we are surprised by these misleading statements at this specific timing.

The Qatari statement came after Iranian media reported that three pilots were captured alive by Qatari forces after ejecting from two Iranian Su-24 fighter jets. The jets were reportedly involved in a mission targeting a U.S. military facility in Qatar. General Mohammad Bagherzadeh, commander of the Search Committee for the Missing of the General Staff of the Armed Forces, identified the pilots and claimed they had been held for six months, calling for the International Committee of the Red Cross to be granted access.

These claims stem from the broader regional conflict that began in late February. Iranian forces targeted the U.S. military's Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which hosts forward components of U.S. Central Command. Qatar maintains the Iranian pilots entered its airspace during the operation and failed to respond to contact attempts.

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Qatari search and rescue teams, which possess global efficiency and expertise, fulfilled their duty to the fullest in searching for the pilots' remains.