Iran Reportedly Coordinated Attack On U.S. Base In Qatar With Local Officials To Minimize Casualties

Iranian officials reportedly coordinated the attack against the U.S. base in Qatar with country officials to minimize casualties, a decision that could convey a willingness to deescalate following the strikes on its nuclear sites.

The New York Times detailed that Iran gave Qatari officials advance notice of the attacks, saying Tehran needed to mount a symbolic strike that, at the same, provided all parties involved in the conflict with an exit ramp.

Qatar nonetheless condemned the strike, which involved at least ten ballistic missiles, saying it reserves the right to respond in accordance with international law.

"We affirm that Qatar reserves the right to respond directly in a manner equivalent with the nature and scale of this brazen aggression, in line with international law," said Maked Al Ansari, spokesman of the country's foreign ministry. The country said there were no casualties from the attack.

Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan also condemned the attack with respective statements. They expressed their solidarity with Qatar, with Riad saying the country will deploy "all its capabilities to support" the country.

A senior Iranian officials told Reuters shortly after the attack that the country has "the necessary rationality to begin diplomacy after punishing the aggressor." However, the official added that all Israeli attacks must cease as well in order for the country to return to the negotiating table.