I don't really buy into the idea that it puts them in a position to negotiate much. It would just escalate things, solidify support against them. If they've got hopes of fracturing the west, this would be the opposite.
Honestly if they had blown up our planes... I'd say there is a real chance we blow up that shiny building where they planned that.
It's even possible we told them exactly that and this is why the plot didn't continue.