Qatar denies detaining Iranian pilots, says Iran did not respond to rescue invitation

The denial came after Iranian authorities on Saturday called for the release of three pilots they said were captured alive by Qatari forces after two Iranian Su-24 fighter jets crashed during attacks on the U.S. base.Qatar has categorically denied claims that it detained three Iranian pilots following the March 2 attacks on Al Udeid Airbase, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari describing the allegations as “misleading” and saying they come as diplomatic efforts continue to de-escalate regional tensions.The denial came after Iranian authorities on Saturday called for the release of three pilots they said were captured alive by Qatari forces after two Iranian Su-24 fighter jets crashed during attacks on the U.S. base.Mohammad Bagherzadeh, head of the Missing Persons Search Committee of Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff, made the allegation in a letter to Mirjana Spoljarić Egger, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). He said the three pilots were among four crew members aboard the two jets.“We categorically deny the claims circulating regarding the detention of Iranian pilots,” Al-Ansari said in a post on X.We categorically deny the claims circulating regarding the detention of Iranian pilots & are surprised by these misleading statements at this particular time, amid the ongoing diplomatic efforts & initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region.We reaffirm that…— د. ماجد محمد الأنصاري Dr. Majed Al Ansari (@majedalansari) August 15, 2026 “We are surprised by these misleading statements at this particular time, amid the ongoing diplomatic efforts and initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region,” he added.Al-Ansari said Qatar established contact with the pilots after they violated Qatari airspace and after confirming the trajectory of the targeting.“After following the rules of engagement and attempting to communicate with them without receiving a response, the necessary measures were taken to defend our territory in accordance with international law,” he said, adding that the matter had been clarified at the time through official channels.Turning to the search operation, Al-Ansari said Qatar’s search and rescue teams, which possess “world-class expertise and capabilities”, carried out their duties in searching for the pilots’ remains.He said Qatar also communicated with the Iranian side to coordinate the handover of the remains of one of the pilots who was found, in accordance with relevant provisions of international humanitarian law.Al-Ansari further said Qatar had invited an Iranian team to visit the country in April to be briefed on the details of the search and rescue operations.“The Iranian side has yet to respond to the invitation,” he said.