Iran calls on Qatar to free three pilots it says were downed, captured in war

Qatar has firmly rejected allegations that it is holding Iranian pilots, asserting that the airmen perished after their aircraft trespassed into Qatari airspace. In a statement on X, the Prime Minister's advisor and Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, HE Dr Majed al-Ansari, expressed surprise at the timing of these claims amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to ease tensions in the region.

According to al-Ansari, contact was established with the pilots once they had violated Qatari airspace and their flight path had been verified. Despite following the rules of engagement and attempting to communicate, there was no response received. Consequently, the necessary measures were taken to safeguard Qatar's territory, a response outlined in advance through official channels.

Qatar's search and rescue teams, renowned for their world-class expertise and capabilities, conducted their duties diligently in the search for the pilots' remains. Upon finding one pilot, Qatar promptly coordinated with the Iranian side to facilitate the handover of the remains, adhering to the provisions of international humanitarian law.

An invitation was extended to an Iranian team to visit Qatar in April to receive a detailed briefing on the search and rescue operations, though Iran has not yet responded to this invitation, as reported by al-Ansari.