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

Qatar has denied detaining Iranian pilots, contrary to claims made by Iranian authorities. According to Qatar's Foreign Ministry, two Iranian Su-24 fighter jets violated Qatari airspace, and despite attempts to communicate with the pilots, no response was received. The Ministry stated that rules of engagement were followed, and necessary measures were taken to defend Qatari territory in accordance with international law.

The Qatari Foreign Ministry also reported that search and rescue teams found the remains of one pilot and contacted the Iranian side to coordinate a handover, in line with international humanitarian law. Furthermore, Qatar extended an invitation to an Iranian team to visit in April to review details of the search-and-rescue operations, but according to the Gulf Times and Gulf News, Iran did not respond to this invitation.

Iran had called for the release of three pilots it claimed were captured alive by Qatari forces. However, Qatar's Foreign Ministry described these claims as misleading, especially given the current diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region. The Ministry expressed surprise at the timing of these claims.

Brief written by urgent.news from Doha News, Gulf Times, Gulf News, Middle East Eye, Ajel English — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.