Iran says Qatar captured 3 of its pilots early in war with US; Qatar rejects claims

Published Aug 16, 12:45 AM UTC

Iran has alleged that Qatar captured three of its pilots who were flying Su-24 fighter jets during an operation on March 2, early in a war with the United States. The claim was made by an Iranian general. Qatar has categorically rejected the allegations, denying any involvement in capturing Iranian pilots. The report, published by The Business Times on August 16, 2026, highlights a diplomatic dispute between Iran and Qatar amid a broader conflict with the US. No further details on the operation or the pilots' status were provided in the article.