Iran gave Qatar advanced notice that it was launching an attack on the U.S. base near Doha, three Iranian officials familiar with the plans told The New York Times.

Iran’s retaliatory strike was meant to be symbolic, while leaving an exit ramp open for all sides, the Times reported.

In its statement confirming the attack on the Al Udeid Air Base, Iran’s national security council said its action “posed no threat whatsoever to our friendly and brotherly nation, Qatar, or its honorable people.”