Qatar has reiterated its invitation for Iran to send a technical team to review details of the search and rescue operations conducted following an incident involving Iranian pilots, saying Tehran had previously been formally invited but had not responded.

Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari, Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the remarks during the ministry’s weekly media briefing.

Al-Ansari said Qatar was surprised by recent Iranian media statements, which he described as containing claims that were “entirely devoid of truth.” He stressed that Doha had taken all necessary measures in accordance with its international and humanitarian obligations.

According to Al-Ansari, the Iranian aircraft entered Qatari airspace and targeted Doha. Qatari forces responded under established rules of engagement after confirming the violation, while attempts to communicate with the pilots received no response.

He said search and rescue teams immediately began operations in line with relevant international obligations. The teams located the remains of one pilot and informed the Iranian side before concluding the search operation. The remains were subsequently handed over to Iranian authorities, who buried them.

Al-Ansari added that Qatar received an Iranian delegation and provided presentations detailing the search and rescue operations, while reiterating that the invitation for Iran to send a technical team to review the details remains open.

He said Qatar would continue to protect its sovereignty and security while stressing the importance of respecting the sovereignty of states and maintaining regional relations based on mutual respect.

On regional de-escalation efforts, Al-Ansari said Qatar’s immediate priority was to contain the crisis and restore the diplomatic track. He pointed to recent ceasefire violations and incidents in the Strait of Hormuz as developments requiring renewed efforts to implement previous understandings and resume negotiations.

He said Qatar continued to support diplomatic efforts and hoped for an agreement between Oman and Iran concerning the Strait of Hormuz that could help create conditions for renewed negotiations.

Al-Ansari stressed that maintaining the ceasefire, ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and returning to negotiations were the only way forward.

Regarding Oman-Iran negotiations, he said there were no new developments and that efforts remained focused on reaching an agreement that could facilitate the resumption of talks and prevent further regional escalation.

He also confirmed continued Gulf coordination on de-escalation efforts, saying GCC countries were coordinating at the leadership, foreign minister, security and defence levels to prepare for potential repercussions and address developments collectively.