Qatar Denies Claims of Detaining Three Iranian Pilots

Qatar Denies Claims of Detaining Three Iranian Pilots

DOHA: The Qatari Foreign Ministry has denied Iran’s allegations that three of its pilots are in its custody.Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed Al Ansari has disputed reports from Iran saying that three of its pilots are in Qatari custody.

The Foreign Ministry spokesperson (FM) of Qatar has voiced its “astonishment” at the claims on the social media platform X, which comes on the heels of efforts to calm regional tensions.The Foreign Ministry spokesperson (FM) of Qatar has expressed astonishment over the claims on the social media platform X, coming as it does on the eve of efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.

The airspace violation issued in March has been clarified.Airspace violation for March has been clarified.
Majed Al-Ansari said after the violation of Qatari airspace in March, authorities tried to reach the Iranian pilots to check on their intended path.

When the pilots did not respond to transmissions, Qatar “resorted to self-defence and acted in accordance with the provision of conflict related laws and international law,” he said. In addition, the rescue team of Qatar organized search efforts for the pilots, and the body of one of the pilots was recovered, after which the government of Qatar called Tehran to return the body.