Iran Accuses Qatar of Detaining Three Pilots After March 2 Airstrike

Iranian officials say three Air Force pilots—Javad Salehi, Abdolmajid Dashtian and Omran Behraveshian—were captured by Qatar after their Su-24s were hit on March 2. Iran alleges they are held in unsuitable conditions, while Qatar denies any detention and says it has only recovered the remains of a fourth pilot, Majid Kazemi, who was killed.

Qatar approves Iranian expert team’s access to captured pilots, Iran says New York TimesThe Jerusalem Post

The March 2 sortie followed Iran’s broader response to U.S. and Israeli attacks that began on February 28. The Su-24s were reportedly targeting the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar when they were struck, forcing the crews to eject. Kazemi’s remains were later returned to Iran.

Qatar approves Iranian expert team’s access to captured pilots, Iran says

• February 28 – U.S. and Israeli attacks trigger Iran’s wider response.

Qatar approves Iranian expert team’s access to captured pilots, Iran says

• March 2 – Two Su-24s are hit; crews eject. Iran alleges three pilots were captured alive.

Qatar approves Iranian expert team’s access to captured pilots, Iran says

• August 15 – Gen. Seyed Mohammad Bagherzadeh writes to ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger requesting an air ambulance and an investigation.

New York Times

• Early March 2026 – Qatar announces it shot down the two Su-24s and began search-and-rescue for the pilots’ remains.

New York Times

• Mid-August 2026 – Qatar’s foreign-ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari reiterates denial of detention and says contact was made after the pilots violated Qatari airspace.

New York Times

• Gen. Seyed Mohammad Bagherzadeh – Commander of Iran’s Missing Persons Search Committee.

New York Times

• Majed al-Ansari – Spokesman for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

New York Times

• Mirjana Spoljaric Egger – President of the ICRC.

Qatar approves Iranian expert team’s access to captured pilots, Iran says

• Four pilots were involved on March 2: three alleged captives and one confirmed dead.

Qatar approves Iranian expert team’s access to captured pilots, Iran says

• One set of remains (Kazemi) has been handed over to Iran.

Qatar approves Iranian expert team’s access to captured pilots, Iran says

• Iranian claim: Bagherzadeh says the three pilots are being held on water, describes the location as “not suitable,” and urges the ICRC to send an air ambulance. He also asks Qatar to allow an Iranian team to meet the pilots.

The Jerusalem Post

• Qatari denial: Al-Ansari states Qatar “categorically denies the claims” of detention and calls the narrative “misleading.” He says Qatar followed its rules of engagement after the pilots violated airspace, shot down the aircraft, and has searched for remains while inviting an Iranian delegation to review the effort.

New York Times

• ICRC position: No comment has been issued.

New York Times

• Detention status: Iran says the three pilots are alive and detained; Qatar says no detention occurred and only Kazemi’s remains were recovered.

Qatar approves Iranian expert team’s access to captured pilots, Iran says

• Location of confinement: Iran claims the pilots are held “on water,” a point Qatar has not addressed.

The Jerusalem Post

• Family contact: Iran alleges Qatar blocks communication; Qatar says it has conducted rescue operations and offered briefings.

The Jerusalem Post

• Independent verification: No third-party organization, including the ICRC, has confirmed the pilots’ condition or location.

Qatar approves Iranian expert team’s access to captured pilots, Iran says