In brief
Iran has accused Qatar of holding three pilots – Javad Salehi, Abdul Majid Dashtian and Imran Behroshian – after a February 2026 clash during which two fighter jets were downed at a Qatari base. The Iranian Brigadier General Mohammad Bagherzadeh has written to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) demanding their release, noting the pilots have been captive for six months. Qatar’s foreign affairs spokesman, Majed Mohammed Al Ansari, categorically denied the allegations, stating that the pilots were detained only after breaching Qatari airspace and that rescue teams had carried out search efforts. Diplomatic tension remains high as Tehran has yet to respond to requests for a review of the rescue operation and the alleged capture of Iranian military personnel.
Iran insists that it held three of its pilots after a February 2026 encounter when two fighter jets were downed at a Qatari military base. Brigadier General Mohammad Bagherzadeh sent a letter to the International Committee of the Red Cross demanding the pilots’ release, explaining they had been imprisoned for six months.
The Iranian officer named the pilots as Javad Salehi, Abdul Majid Dashtian and Imran Behroshian, and said the body of a fourth pilot, Majid Kazemi, was returned after his death during the same operation.
- Javad Salehi
- Abdul Majid Dashtian
- Imran Behroshian
Qatar’s foreign affairs spokesperson, Majed Mohammed Al Ansari, withstood the accusations, asserting that any contact with the pilots occurred after they violated Qatari airspace and that Qatar’s search and rescue teams performed a thorough search.
Al Ansari said Qatar had coordinated with Iran to handle the remains of one pilot and that Tehran had not yet replied to an invitation to scrutinise the rescue operation details.
The situation highlights escalating tensions as both sides examine the alleged capture and release of military personnel amid the broader US‑Iran conflict.
