The Missing Persons Search Committee of the Iranian military has alleged that three Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force pilots are in Qatari custody after they were shot down during an operation in March, the Fars news agency reports.

Four crew members on board two Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force Su-24 bombers were involved in an attack on a US base on March 2, 2026. Iranian military officials said the aircraft were hit by air defence systems over the Gulf. One of the four pilots was killed in the operation and later buried on July 30.

In a statement, the Committee claims that the three remaining pilots were captured by Qatar, but have not been allowed visits or interviews, or communication with their families, despite diplomatic efforts.

“According to information obtained, the other pilots involved in the incident … were captured alive by Qatari forces. Unfortunately, since that date, despite the passage of two months, the Qatari government has, in violation of all international laws and regulations, including the four Geneva Conventions concerning the obligation to respect the rights of prisoners of war, disregarded and violated the fundamental rights of these prisoners,” the statement alleges.

“This matter falls within the provisions concerning war crimes and is subject to investigation and consideration.”

Citing Articles 70 and 78 of the Geneva Conventions, the Committee notes that prisoners of war “must be able to notify their families and the Central Agency of the International Committee of the Red Cross of their capture”.

It further says that prisoners have the right to submit complaints and requests to representatives of the protecting powers, including representatives of the Red Cross, and to communicate and confer with them directly or through representatives.

“Prisoners of war who, based on a physician’s assessment, are suffering from serious illness or injuries must be transferred directly to their country of origin,” the statement reads.