Tehran: Despite repeated denials, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has issued a stern warning to Qatar regarding the alleged detention of three Iranian pilots. The pilots’ fighter jets were reportedly shot down during a conflict with the United States in March. Qatar has consistently denied these allegations.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, Brigadier General Majid Mousavi, commander of the Revolutionary Guard’s Aerospace Force, took to the “X” platform to convey the message. Mousavi stated, “Qatar should realize that Iran will not back down in the face of the fate of its brave pilots.” He further emphasized the urgency of allowing an Iranian expert team to arrive promptly.

Mousavi also cautioned that any delays or obstructions would hold Qatar accountable, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. This development follows a statement from Baqerzadeh, head of the committee searching for missing persons within the Iranian Armed Forces General Staff. Baqerzadeh alleged that Qatar has been holding the Iranian pilots for six months and urged the Red Cross to facilitate their release.

A committee official identified the pilots as Javad Salehi, Abdul Majid Dashtian, and Omran Behroshian. They were reportedly captured by Qatari forces after their jets crashed during operations targeting a “hostile military base” in Qatar, as described by Tehran.

In response, Majid Mohammed Al-Ansari, the official spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, categorically denied the claims. Al-Ansari labeled them as “misleading” and questioned their timing, which coincides with diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions.

Qatar has stated that search and rescue teams have been actively seeking the pilots’ remains and has communicated with Tehran regarding the handover of one of the remains. It was noted that Qatar had invited Iran last April to provide details of the operations, but no response was received.