Iran Seeks Qatar’s Help Over Missing Pilots; Doha Denies Holding Them
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RIYADH, August 22 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) — Iran has asked Qatar to help move four Iranian pilots from an unspecified location at sea to land and medical care, while Doha denies holding them.
The pilots have been missing since their aircraft were downed earlier this year, according to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.
“The location for holding the Iranian pilots on the water is not suitable,” Iranian official Bagherzadeh said Saturday, according to Iranian state-run Mizan news agency.
“Qatar should, to preserve their health, transfer the prisoners at the earliest opportunity to land and an equipped hospital.”
Bagherzadeh had previously asked the Red Cross to assist because of concerns about the pilots’ physical condition, Tasnim reported.
The Iranian news agency said Kuwait had initially agreed to facilitate access to the four men and allow the Iranian ambassador to meet them in Kuwait.
“This step has created a glimmer of hope for the swift release of these dear individuals,” Bagherzadeh said.
Qatari spokesperson Majed Al Ansari rejected Iran’s account last week.
“We categorically deny the claims that have been circulated regarding the detention of Iranian pilots,” Al Ansari wrote on X.
Al Ansari said Qatari rescue teams had “fulfilled their duty to the fullest in searching for the pilots’ remains,” adding that Qatar coordinated with Iran to return the remains of one pilot.
He said Qatar invited Iran in April to receive further information about its rescue operations, but Tehran did not respond.
