Iran Demands Release of Pilots It Says Qatar Captured; Doha Denies
Iran has formally asked the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to intervene in the case of three Iranian pilots it claims were captured by Qatari forces after their fighter jets were shot down during the ongoing US-Iran war.
In a letter to ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric, Iran's Brigadier General Mohammad Bagherzadeh identified the pilots as Javad Salehi, Abdul Majid Dashtian and Imran Behroshian. He said the pilots ejected from their aircraft during a combat mission against a Qatari military base on 2 March 2026 — the third day of the conflict. The general added that a fourth pilot, Majid Kazemi, was killed in the same operation, and that his body was later returned to Iran.
The letter, published by Iranian media, accuses Qatar of capturing the three pilots and violating "the inalienable rights of these prisoners, contrary to all international laws and regulations." It alleges they have been held for six months without any contact with their families or legal representatives. The letter reportedly requests the ICRC to take immediate steps to secure their release and to facilitate visits by Red Cross delegates.
Qatar has categorically denied the allegations. In a statement, Majed Mohammed Al Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the country was "surprised by these misleading statements." Al Ansari confirmed that Qatari forces had made contact with the pilots after they "violated Qatari airspace", but said no response was received. He added that "the necessary measures were taken to defend our territory in accordance with international law."
Al Ansari also said that Qatari search and rescue teams had carried out their duties "to the fullest extent" in searching for the pilots' remains. He stated that Qatar had contacted Iran to coordinate the handover of the remains of one pilot, and that Tehran had yet to respond to an invitation to review the details of the search and rescue operation.
The ICRC has not publicly commented on the letter. The organisation typically serves as a neutral intermediary in matters involving prisoners of war and detainees. Its ability to act depends on the consent of both parties.
The incident underscores the wider humanitarian concerns arising from the war between the United States and Iran, which began in late February 2026. The precise details of the engagement remain disputed. Iran says the pilots were captured after their fighters were downed; Qatar says it acted to protect its territorial integrity against an airspace violation.
Under the Geneva Conventions, crew members who eject from their aircraft in conflict zones and are captured are entitled to prisoner-of-war status. This status guarantees humane treatment, protection from violence and intimidation, and the right to correspond with their families. Detaining powers are also required to allow visits by ICRC delegates.
Iran's request to the ICRC reflects its insistence on these protections. Qatar, meanwhile, has expressed readiness to cooperate with any impartial investigation and reiterated its commitment to international humanitarian law. The standoff is likely to continue until there is independent verification of the pilots' fate.
