Qatar denies Iranian pilots detained, says aircraft violated its airspace

DOHA, Qatar — Qatar's Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Mohammed al-Ansari has rejected Iranian allegations that three Iranian pilots have been held in the country for roughly six months, describing the claims as misleading. In a statement, al-Ansari said the pilots' aircraft violated Qatari airspace and that attempts to communicate with them under engagement rules produced no response. He added that Qatar took necessary measures under international law to defend its territory. Al-Ansari said Qatari search and rescue teams have been working to locate the pilots' remains, and that coordination with Tehran has been underway to hand over any recovered material in line with international humanitarian law. He added that Qatar sent an invitation in April for an Iranian delegation to visit and review the details of the search and rescue operations, but said Iran has not responded to the request. Iran announced earlier on Tuesday that three of its pilots had been held in Qatar for about six months under Qatari responsibility. No further details were immediately available on Iran's next steps or any planned response to Qatar's denial.