Spokesperson for the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs: We categorically deny circulating allegations regarding the detention of Iranian pilots

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Majid Al-Ansari, stated via the X platform: “We categorically deny the claims circulating regarding the detention of Iranian pilots, and we are surprised by these misleading remarks at this specific time, given the ongoing diplomatic efforts and initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region.”

He added: “We confirm that contact was established with the pilots in question after they violated Qatari airspace and confirmed the targeting trajectory. Following engagement protocols and attempts to communicate with them without response, necessary measures were taken to defend our territory in accordance with international law, as was clarified at the time through official channels.”

Al-Ansari further noted in his post: “In this context, we point out that Qatar’s search and rescue teams, which possess global competence and expertise, have fully carried out their duties in searching for the pilots’ remains. Qatar has also coordinated with the Iranian side for the handover of the remains of one of the pilots found, in accordance with applicable international humanitarian law. An invitation was extended to a team to visit and review the details of the search and rescue operations last April, but the Iranian side has not responded to date.”