Qatar denies Tehran’s claim it is detaining Iranian bomber pilots

Iran claims Qatar is holding three pilots who were shot down in March. Doha decries ‘misleading statements’. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denied Tehran’s claims that Iranian pilots are being held in secret detention following the downing of their aircraft during hostilities earlier this year. A ministry spokesman expressed surprise on Saturday at “misleading statements” from Iranian officials and reaffirmed that Qatari forces are not holding any surviving aircrew. “We categorically deny the claims circulating regarding the detention of Iranian pilots & are surprised by these misleading statements at this particular time, amid the ongoing diplomatic efforts & initiatives aimed at de-escalating tensions in the region,” said Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari in a post on X. His statement followed public demands from Tehran seeking the release of the aviators.

Missing media or need the complete publisher report? Open Al Jazeera ↗