Case of 3 Iranian pilots is a serious test to determine Qatar’s role in the war

As Iran pushes for a formal inquiry into its detained pilots, Doha’s persistent denials highlight the heavy footprint of American influence

TEHRAN — A senior Iranian military official has called on Qatari authorities to grant access to a specialized delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran Air Force (IRIAF) to investigate the status of three Iranian fighter pilots detained in Qatar.