Qatar: Iranian aircraft handled after breaching Qatran airspace while targeting Doha - Sarmad
• Search and rescue teams began their duties immediately in accordance with international obligations
Dr. Majid bin Mohammed Al-Ansari, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated today that the invitation remains open for Iran to send a technical team to review all details regarding the search and rescue operations concerning its pilots. He noted that this invitation had previously been formally extended to Tehran, but it went unheeded.
During the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ weekly press briefing, Al-Ansari mentioned that Qatar was surprised by Iranian media statements, which he described as “completely baseless” and containing illogical claims. He affirmed that Doha had taken all necessary measures in line with its international and humanitarian obligations.
He clarified that the Iranian aircraft in question had entered Qatari airspace and targeted the city of Doha. They were engaged in accordance with established rules of engagement after it was confirmed that they had breached Qatari airspace. He noted that attempts were made to communicate with the pilots, but there was no response, necessitating the necessary measures. Search and rescue teams immediately began their duties in accordance with relevant international obligations.
Al-Ansari emphasized that Qatari search and rescue teams performed their duties flawlessly. They managed to locate the remains of one of the pilots and informed the Iranian side accordingly, before concluding the search operations after the remains of the body were found. He added that the body was handed over to Iranian authorities, who proceeded with its burial.
He pointed out that Qatar received the Iranian delegation and presented briefings to them regarding the details of the search and rescue operations. However, the Iranian side did not respond to the invitation. He stressed that Qatar is not concerned with what it described as attempts at domestic media consumption, and that its position remains firm in protecting its sovereignty and responding to any similar aggression in the future.
Regarding bilateral relations with Iran, the Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Qatar had faced violations of its sovereignty and protected the security of its territory and residents. At the same time, he underscored the importance of respecting state sovereignty and coexistence based on mutual respect, noting that geography compels countries in the region to continue living together and maintaining relations based on respect for sovereignty.
On efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region, Al-Ansari clarified that current focus is on containing the ongoing crisis and returning to the diplomatic track. He noted that recent developments included breaches of the ceasefire and new developments in the Strait of Hormuz, which necessitate working to return to the provisions of the memorandum of understanding and resume negotiations.
He confirmed the continuation of diplomatic efforts in this context, expressing Qatar’s hope to reach an agreement between the Sultanate of Oman and Iran regarding the strait, thereby creating conditions conducive to a return to negotiations. He stressed that a ceasefire, guaranteeing freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and returning to the negotiating table represent the only way forward.
He also noted that mediation efforts in which Qatar participated, alongside its partners, had previously led to a ceasefire, but this ceasefire was violated. He affirmed that the current priority is to halt escalation and bring the parties back to the negotiating table, whether to implement previous understandings or to reach a new agreement.
Regarding negotiations between the Sultanate of Oman and Iran, Al-Ansari stated that there are no new developments at present, and that efforts are still awaiting the achievement of an agreement between the two sides, which would lead to the resumption of negotiations and prevent further escalation in the region.
Regarding the Gulf coordination aimed at de-escalating tensions, he confirmed that there is continuous coordination among the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states at the levels of leaders, foreign ministers, and security and defense officials, to ensure readiness to address any potential repercussions, noting that Gulf diplomatic mechanisms are operating collectively in this direction.
