Doha: Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has categorically denied reports that Iranian pilots were being detained, expressing surprise at what it described as misleading statements at a time when intensive diplomatic efforts are under way to de-escalate tensions in the region.The ministry said attempts had been made to contact the pilots after they violated Qatari airspace and their flight paths were verified.It said Qatar’s rules of engagement were followed and attempts were made to communicate with the pilots, but no response was received. The necessary measures were then taken to defend Qatari territory in accordance with international law, the ministry said, adding that this had been officially clarified at the time.The Ministry also said its search-and-rescue teams had carried out operations to locate the pilots’ remains.It said Qatar had contacted Iran to coordinate the handover of the remains of one pilot who had been found, in accordance with international humanitarian law.The ministry added that it had formally invited an Iranian team to visit Qatar in April to review details of the search-and-rescue operation, but had not received a response.