The Pentagon already had begun taking measures to strengthen its firepower in the Middle East and protect U.S. bases there.

In public, Qatar was insisting on the right to defend itself after Iran attacked a U.S. military site in the emirate. Behind the scenes, it was already mediating a truce between Israel and Iran.

Iran has attacked a U.S. base in Qatar, calling the mission "Annunciation of Victory," according to Iranian state TV. The attack is focused on Al Udeid Air Base, according to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.