BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 16. Qatari authorities have rejected Iran's claims that the pilots of military aircraft that violated the emirate's airspace in March were taken prisoner.

The statement was made by Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari.

According to him, Doha considers such claims unfounded and expressed surprise that they were made amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the region.

Al-Ansari said the aircraft crews had been warned in advance that they were violating Qatar's airspace. After following the established rules of engagement and making unsuccessful attempts to establish contact with them, Qatari authorities took the necessary measures to protect the country's territory in accordance with international law.

He also said search and rescue teams had recovered the remains of one of the pilots. According to Al-Ansari, Doha contacted Tehran to coordinate the return of the body in line with international humanitarian law and invited an Iranian delegation as early as April to review the details of the search operation. However, he noted that the Iranian side has yet to respond to the invitation.