Doha, 16 August (H.S.): Qatar has denied reports claiming that it detained three Iranian pilots, describing the allegations as completely unfounded and misleading. It warned that such fabricated claims could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Dr Majed Mohammed Al Ansari, strongly rejected the reports in a post on X published around six hours ago. He said Qatar was surprised by the circulation of what he described as misleading statements at a time when diplomatic efforts and initiatives were underway to de-escalate tensions in the region.

“We completely deny the reports circulating about the detention of Iranian pilots,” Al Ansari said, adding that Qatar was concerned about such claims being made while diplomatic efforts were focused on reducing regional tensions.

He explained that contact had been established with the Iranian pilots after a violation of Qatari airspace was detected and the direction of the target was confirmed. According to Al Ansari, despite attempts to contact the pilots and ensure compliance with the applicable rules, no response was received.

He said Qatar subsequently took the necessary measures to protect its territory in accordance with international law. Al Ansari added that the matter had been clarified through official channels at the time.

The Qatari spokesperson further said that the country’s search-and-rescue teams had fulfilled their responsibilities in locating the remains of the pilots. He said Qatar had also engaged with the Iranian side regarding the handover of the remains of one pilot that had been recovered, in accordance with relevant provisions of international humanitarian law.

Al Ansari added that Qatar had invited an Iranian team in April to visit the country to receive information regarding the search-and-rescue operation. However, he said, the Iranian side had not yet responded to the invitation.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar