Qatar responds to detention of Iranian pilots

Qatar has denied reports of detaining Iranian pilots. Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said Doha did not detain the pilots and expressed bewilderment at the accusations. The statement followed demands by an Iranian general to return three crews of downed aircraft. Al Ansari stressed that disinformation campaigns harm diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.

Qatar has officially denied reports that it detained Iranian military pilots on its territory. Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said Doha did not detain pilots from Iran and expressed bewilderment at the accusations. The statement came after an Iranian general demanded the return of three crews of downed aircraft, allegedly held in Qatar since the start of the military conflict in the Middle East. Al Ansari emphasized on social media platform X that such disinformation campaigns are surprising given the active diplomatic steps to reduce the risk of escalation. Diplomats note that the spreading rumors harm ongoing negotiations aimed at restoring stability in the region. The article references The Times of Israel. The author is Max Flair.