Qatar denies capturing three Iranian pilots after downing fighter jets

Iran has demanded the release of three Iranian pilots it alleges were taken by Qatar following a clash involving two fighter jets at the beginning of the US-Iran war. In a letter to the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Brigadier General Mohammad Bagherzadeh stated that the pilots – Javad Salehi, Abdul Majid Dashtian, and Imran Behroshian – had been detained for six months.

He reported that the remains of a fourth pilot, Majid Kazemi, who was killed during the operation on March 2, 2026, were returned. Qatar vehemently denied the claims, expressing surprise at the "misleading statements." General Bagherzadeh alleged that the pilots were captured after ejecting from their planes during the combat mission at a Qatari military base.

The letter contended that Qatar had violated the rights of the prisoners, infringing upon international laws and regulations. Additionally, the letter claimed that the pilots were denied contact with their families. Qatar's foreign affairs spokesperson, Majed Mohammed Al Ansari, stated that contact was established with the pilots after they had violated Qatari airspace, though no response was received.

He emphasized that necessary measures were taken to defend their territory in accordance with international law. Al Ansari also mentioned that Qatar's search and rescue teams worked diligently to locate the pilots' remains and invited Iran to participate in reviewing the details of the operation.