An Iranian military official has called on Qatar to transfer detained Iranian pilots from an offshore location to a hospital on land, citing concerns over their deteriorating health. Mohammad Baqerzadeh, head of the Committee for the Search for Missing Persons under Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff, emphasized that the current holding conditions are inadequate for the pilots’ medical needs.
In a significant development, Baqerzadeh urged the International Committee of the Red Cross to facilitate an air ambulance to Qatar to expedite the return of the injured and ill detainees to Iran. This appeal comes amid ongoing tensions regarding the pilots’ status and treatment.
Last week, Qatar denied holding any Iranian pilots, stating that the airmen had violated Qatari airspace earlier this year and failed to respond to communication attempts. Doha indicated it had contacted Tehran to coordinate the repatriation of one pilot’s remains and offered Iran access to details of the search and rescue operation, but claimed no response was received.
Meanwhile, a Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson reiterated on Tuesday that the invitation for an Iranian delegation to visit and discuss the pilots’ situation remains open. Baqerzadeh welcomed Qatar’s decision to allow a team of Iranian experts to enter the country and urged Doha to fully cooperate with them.
Previously, Baqerzadeh accused Qatari officials of repeatedly delaying the investigation, noting that an Iranian Air Force expert and fact-finding team had been waiting for months to gain entry into Qatar. The ongoing dispute highlights the complexities surrounding the detained pilots and their treatment.
