Iran asks Red Cross to intervene over pilots allegedly held in Qatar

Iran has formally requested the International Committee of the Red Cross to help secure the release of three Iranian military pilots whom Tehran claims are being detained in Qatar as prisoners of war.

According to an official letter from Iranian Brigadier General Mohammad Bagherzadeh, the three pilots were captured alive after their aircraft were struck during a March military mission targeting facilities in Qatar. Tehran had previously confirmed that another pilot died during the clash.

Accounts differ regarding Doha's reaction to the allegations. While early reporting indicated that Qatar's Foreign Ministry had not yet issued a public comment, subsequent reports state that Qatari authorities deny capturing any Iranian pilots following the incident.

Sources: Daily Sabah, Sweden Herald, BBC News, ORF