Iran Missile Strike on Qatar Base Fits De-Escalation Playbook
Iran's missile attack on a US air base in Qatar was telegraphed well in advance, suggesting Tehran intended a symbolic show of force while offering a way to de-escalate after US airstrikes over the weekend.
The Monday night assault, which involved short- and medium-range ballistic missiles, targeted the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, which officials said had been largely evacuated. Iran's Supreme National Security Council said the number of missiles fired matched the number of bombs dropped by the US on the Islamic Republic days before and the strike 'poses no danger' to Qatar, which it called 'our friendly and brotherly country.'
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