Iranian Expert Team Granted Access to Captured Pilots in Qatar

Tehran, Iran Aug 23, 2026 ALN: Qatar has agreed to allow an Iranian expert team to meet with Iranian pilots being held in the Arab country, a military official said, as Tehran continues efforts to determine their condition and secure their return. This development is significant in the context of ongoing tensions between Iran and its regional adversaries, particularly the United States and its allies, including Qatar.

Brigadier General Mohammad Baqerzadeh, commander of the Missing in Action Search Committee of Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff, stated on Saturday that his efforts concerning Iranian prisoners in Qatar and Kuwait were ongoing. The issue of prisoners of war and missing personnel is a sensitive topic in military and diplomatic circles, often tied to broader geopolitical tensions. The Iranian government’s push to secure the return of its pilots reflects not only a humanitarian concern but also a desire to assert its sovereignty and military integrity in the face of perceived external threats.

He called on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to send an air ambulance to Qatar as soon as possible to repatriate the captured pilots, whom he described as seriously wounded and ill. The ICRC plays a crucial role in conflict situations by ensuring that humanitarian laws are upheld and that the rights of prisoners are respected. The request for an air ambulance indicates the severity of the situation concerning the health of the pilots, which could have implications for their treatment and the urgency of their return.

The general welcomed the Qatari government’s decision to receive the Iranian expert team and urged for necessary cooperation to be provided. This cooperation is essential not only for the well-being of the pilots but also for maintaining diplomatic relations between Iran and Qatar, which have historically been complex due to differing political alignments and alliances in the region.

Expressing concern about the conditions under which the prisoners are being held, he said, “the place where the prisoners are being kept on water is not suitable.” He urged the Qatari government to transfer them to land and to a well-equipped hospital promptly to protect their health. The mention of inadequate conditions highlights the potential violations of international humanitarian standards that govern the treatment of prisoners of war, as outlined in the Geneva Conventions. Such statements can also serve to mobilize public opinion and international support for the Iranian pilots.

Regarding other Iranian prisoners in Kuwait, Baqerzadeh noted the Kuwaiti government’s initial agreement to allow the Iranian ambassador to meet with the prisoners held there, stating, “This action has created a glimmer of hope for the swift release of these dear compatriots.” Diplomatic engagements such as these are vital for the resolution of prisoner issues, as they can facilitate communication and negotiations between the respective governments. The acknowledgment of hope for their release also reflects a broader desire within Iran to engage constructively with regional neighbors, despite existing tensions.

He called on Kuwait to respect the rights of the four Iranian prisoners in accordance with the four Geneva Conventions and to facilitate initial contact between them and their families. The reference to the Geneva Conventions underscores the legal framework that governs the treatment of prisoners and the obligations of states to uphold these standards. Ensuring that prisoners can communicate with their families is a fundamental aspect of humane treatment and can alleviate some of the psychological stress associated with detention.

The Iranian military commander also urged the ICRC to facilitate video calls between the Iranian prisoners and their families, highlighting an initiative through which the organization has arranged video communications between prisoners at Guantanamo and their relatives to reassure their families. The call for video communication reflects the modern realities of communication technology and the expectations of families regarding contact with their loved ones, particularly in times of uncertainty.

Baqerzadeh emphasized that the ICRC was expected to take similar action for the Iranian prisoners while urgently pursuing their release. He called on the ICRC office serving Arab countries in the region to take the lead in this effort and undertake the necessary measures. The involvement of the ICRC is crucial, as it can provide an impartial assessment of the conditions under which the prisoners are held and advocate for their rights on an international platform.

Recently, Iran publicly assessed that three pilots who went missing after a March 2 operation against the US-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar were captured alive by Qatari forces. This assessment marks a significant shift in the narrative surrounding the incident, as it provides clarity regarding the fate of the pilots, who had previously been unaccounted for. The Al Udeid Air Base is a key installation for the United States military in the region, and any military operations targeting it are likely to escalate tensions between the involved parties.

Brigadier General Baqerzadeh raised the issue in a letter to ICRC President Mirjana Spoljaric Egger on August 15, expressing grave concern over their fate and urging the organization to investigate their condition and facilitate their release. The formal communication to the ICRC indicates Iran's reliance on international humanitarian organizations to mediate in situations where diplomatic channels may be strained or ineffective.

According to Baqerzadeh, two Iranian Air Force Su-24s carried out the mission but were hit by enemy air defenses while returning, forcing their crews to eject. One of the four pilots, Brigadier General Majid Kazemi, was killed, with DNA testing later confirming his death, and his remains were returned to Iran. This tragic loss underscores the risks associated with military operations and the human cost of conflict, which often extends beyond the battlefield.

Baqerzadeh identified the three other pilots as Javad Salehi, Abdolmajid Dashtian, and Omran Behraveshian, stating they had been captured alive by Qatari forces. The identification of the pilots is significant for their families and the Iranian public, as it personalizes the narrative and highlights the human element of military engagements. The Iranian military official noted that Tehran had been unable, despite diplomatic follow-ups, to meet or interview the three pilots or establish contact between them and their families. This lack of communication raises concerns about the treatment of the pilots and the potential for violations of their rights under international law.

He cited provisions of the Third Geneva Convention concerning prisoners of war and urged the ICRC to urgently establish contact with the pilots, report on their health, and help secure their "swift release." The emphasis on the Geneva Convention reflects Iran's attempt to frame its situation within the context of international law, potentially seeking to garner international support and pressure on Qatar to comply with humanitarian norms.

This disclosure followed months of uncertainty regarding the pilots’ whereabouts. Iranian officials have repeatedly urged Qatar to clarify their status and act in accordance with international humanitarian law, while Qatari authorities have claimed they had no information about the missing airmen. The discrepancy between the claims of the Iranian and Qatari authorities illustrates the complexities of military engagements and the challenges in obtaining accurate information during conflicts.

The March 2 operation occurred amid Iran’s broader military response to US and Israeli attacks that began on February 28. This context is critical in understanding the motivations behind the Iranian military operations and the subsequent fallout, including the capture of the pilots. The situation remains fluid, and the resolution of the issue surrounding the captured pilots will likely depend on ongoing diplomatic negotiations, the involvement of international organizations, and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region.