Iran seeks release of 3 pilots captured in Qatar, urges Red Cross to intervene

Iran has asked the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to help secure the release of three Iranian pilots whom Tehran says have been held by Qatar for six months after being captured during a mission targeting the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base in March.In a letter to ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, Brigadier General Mohammad Bagherzadeh of Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff expressed “grave concern” over the pilots’ fate and urged the humanitarian organisation to urgently follow up on their situation.According to Bagherzadeh, two Iranian Air Force Su-24 fighter jets flew towards Al Udeid on March 2, 2026, as part of Iran’s response to attacks on the country. He said the aircraft completed their mission but were struck by enemy air defences while returning, forcing the pilots to eject.One of the four pilots, Brigadier General Majid Kazemi, was killed. Iran said his remains were recovered and returned to the country last month. The other three pilots – Javad Salehi, Abdolmajid Dashtian and Omran Behraveshian – were previously reported missing. Tehran has now said they were captured alive by Qatari forces. There was no immediate confirmation from Qatari authorities about Iran’s claims.Bagherzadeh alleged that Iran had been unable to meet or interview the three pilots or establish contact between them and their families despite diplomatic efforts. He accused Qatar of failing to respect their rights under international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions. He called on the Red Cross to urgently meet the pilots, provide information about their health and facilitate their “swift release”.The Al Udeid base hosts forward components of US Central Command, including its air forces and special operations forces, and is the largest US military base in the region.- EndsPublished On: Aug 15, 2026 23:39 IST