Qatar has rejected Iran’s claim that three Iranian pilots are being held in the country and said that its forces took the necessary steps to defend Qatar’s airspace after Iranian aircraft entered in March.

The Qatar Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson said the country tried to contact the pilots, but received no response. Search teams also found only the remains of one pilot, and the necessary coordination was carried out to return them to Iran.

Qatar also invited Iran to take part in the search operation, but received no response. The country said it was surprised by “misleading statements” from Tehran, while diplomatic efforts are still ongoing