15.08.2026 23:40
Qatar denied claims regarding the detention of Iranian pilots, describing the statements as surprising and misleading at a time when diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region are ongoing.
Qatar has denied claims that Iranian pilots were detained.
"WE VIEW IT WITH ASTONISHMENT" Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari, in a post on his account on the social media platform of the US-based company X, denied the statement by the Iranian General Staff that 3 of the 4 Iranian pilots from 2 fighter jets that crashed during the war with the US and Israel were detained by Qatar.
Al-Ansari stated, "We categorically reject the allegations put into circulation that Iranian pilots were detained, and we view with astonishment the making of these misleading statements, especially at a time when diplomatic initiatives and efforts to reduce tensions in the region are ongoing."
Al-Ansari noted that after the aircraft in question violated Qatari airspace, communication was established with the pilots and the targeted route was confirmed, and he stated that, since no response was received despite establishing communication, the necessary measures were taken to defend Qatari territory within the framework of international law and rules of engagement.
Majed Al-Ansari "THE IRANIAN SIDE DID NOT RESPOND TO OUR INVITATION" Al-Ansari emphasized that the public was informed through official channels during the incident and included the following statements: "In this context, we would like to state that Qatar's search and rescue teams, which possess competence and experience on a global scale, fully carried out their duties to find the remains of the pilots. In line with the relevant provisions of international humanitarian law, Qatar established communication and coordination with the Iranian side regarding the handover of the remains of one of the pilots that was found. Additionally, last April, the Iranian side was invited to send a team to examine the details of the search and rescue operations on site, but the Iranian side has not yet responded to this invitation."
WHAT HAPPENED? The Iranian General Staff announced that 3 of the 4 Iranian pilots on two fighter jets that crashed during the war with the US and Israel were captured by Qatar.
Iran had previously announced that the fighter jets were targeted during attacks carried out at the time against the US Al Udeid base in Qatar, and stated that the remains of pilot Majid Kazemi, who lost his life, were returned to Iran and then buried.
Iranian officials had reported that the fate of the 3 pilots remained unclear and that the information they had was incomplete.
Qatar, on the other hand, stated in a statement on March 2 that two Su-24 type fighter jets sent by the Iranian side that violated its airspace were shot down by air defense systems.