Iran denies Qatar claim over captured pilots.

Tehran says three Iranian fighter pilots were captured alive by Qatari forces after their jets were shot down in the early days of the US-Israel war with Iran. Qatar has denied the claim. The Iranian statement, released through state media, asserts the pilots are in Qatari custody. No further details were given on the location or condition of the airmen. Qatar’s government issued a brief response, calling the report “baseless.” Doha did not elaborate, but the denial marks a rare public disagreement between the two countries, which have maintained diplomatic ties. The incident comes as regional tensions remain high following the outbreak of hostilities. The downed aircraft were part of an Iranian operation in the opening phase of the conflict, according to Tehran’s account. Neither side has offered independent evidence to support its position. The status of the pilots remains unconfirmed.