Qatar denies detaining Iranian pilots, says search efforts continue

Qatar has firmly refuted allegations that it detained Iranian pilots, asserting that its search and rescue teams performed their duties diligently. Majid Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that the nation had communicated with Iran to coordinate the retrieval of one pilot's remains, found in accordance with international humanitarian law.

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Qatar continues to communicate with the Iranian side to coordinate the handover of the remains of one of the pilots, who was found, in accordance with the relevant provisions of international humanitarian law.

Al-Ansari further clarified that relevant Iranian pilots were contacted after they breached Qatari airspace in March. Qatar extended an invitation in April for an Iranian team to review the search and rescue operations, but Iran has not yet responded to this offer.

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Doha affirms that the pilots concerned were contacted after their breach of Qatari airspace last March.

The Qatari statement aims to address and dismiss circulating claims, emphasizing the country's adherence to international protocols and its efforts in the search for the pilots.

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Qatar extended an invitation in April to a team to review the details of the search and rescue operations, but the Iranian side has not yet responded to this invitation.