Qatar has strongly denied Iran’s claim that it captured three Iranian pilots after two Iranian fighter jets were downed during a military operation at the beginning of the US-Iran war.

Iran has called for the release of the three pilots, claiming they have been held by Qatar for six months.

Iran Claims Three Pilots Were Captured

Iranian Brig Gen Mohammad Bagherzadeh said three pilots — Javad Salehi, Abdul Majid Dashtian and Imran Behroshian — were captured after ejecting from their fighter jets during a combat mission.

According to Iran, the jets were hit by Qatari air defences while carrying out an operation targeting a Qatari military base.

In a letter to International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) chief Mirjana Spoljaric, Bagherzadeh called for the pilots to be released.

He also alleged that the pilots had not been allowed to contact or meet their families.

Fourth Pilot Was Killed

Iran said a fourth pilot, Majid Kazemi, was killed during the same operation on 2 March 2026.

His body was later returned, according to the Iranian military.

Bagherzadeh accused Qatar of violating the rights of the three alleged prisoners and said their treatment was contrary to international laws and regulations.

Qatar Rejects Iran’s Claims

Qatar has categorically denied that it captured the three Iranian pilots.

Qatari foreign affairs spokesperson Majed Mohammed Al Ansari described Iran’s statements as misleading and said Qatar was surprised by the allegations.

Al Ansari acknowledged that Qatar had made contact with the pilots after they allegedly violated Qatari airspace, but said Qatar had not received a response.

The conflicting statements have created uncertainty over the whereabouts and status of the three Iranian pilots.

Dispute Over What Happened During the Operation

The allegations relate to a military operation on 2 March 2026, during the early days of the US-Iran war.

Iran says its pilots were captured after their aircraft were shot down by Qatari air defences. Qatar, however, rejects the claim that the men were taken into custody as prisoners.

Iran has now involved the ICRC, seeking clarification and assistance over the alleged detention of the pilots.

The dispute comes amid heightened tensions in the region and raises further questions about the events surrounding the fighter jet incident.