In brief
Iran’s Brigadier General Mohammad Bagherzadeh alleged that three Iraqi pilots were held by Qatar for six months after a March 2 fighter jet mission. He presented a letter to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) accusing Qatar of violating international law and denying families contact. Qatar’s foreign‑affairs spokesperson, Majed Mohammed Al Ansari, categorically denied the capture and described the pilots’ ejection as a violation of Qatari airspace. He stated Qatar had conducted search‑and‑rescue operations and had offered an Iranian fact‑finding team, which Tehran has yet to respond to. Both sides exchange accusations amid the broader US‑Iran war escalation.
Iran’s Brigadier General Mohammad Bagherzadeh has demanded the release of three pilots—Javad Salehi, Abdul Majid Dashtian and Imran Behroshian—who, he claims, were taken captive by Qatar following a March 2 combat mission that struck a Qatari military base. In a letter to the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Bagherzadeh alleged the pilots have been held for six months and that funds for their upkeep have been withheld.
The letter also referenced the death of a fourth pilot, Majid Kazemi, whose body was returned by Qatar after the same operation. Iran accused Qatar of violating “the inalienable rights of these prisoners, contrary to all international laws and regulations,” and of preventing the pilots from contacting their families.
Qatar categorically denied the allegations. Foreign‑affairs spokesperson Majed Mohammed Al Ansari said contacts were initiated after the pilots violated Qatari airspace. He reinforced that “necessary measures were taken to defend our territory in accordance with international law.” Al Ansari also noted that Qatari search‑and‑rescue teams had “carried out their duties to the fullest extent in searching for the pilots’ remains.” He mentioned cooperation with Iran for the handover of one pilot’s remains.
Bagherzadeh has urged an Iranian fact‑finding team into Qatar, claiming they were denied entry for months. Al Ansari said an invitation was sent in April, but Tehran has not yet responded. The dispute highlights tensions as both nations navigate the broader US‑Iran war.
