Iranian media downplayed the seriousness of the Israeli operation, signaling what analysts say is the Islamic Republic’s reluctance to further escalate tensions.

Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Sunday that Israel’s attack that killed four soldiers “should neither be exaggerated nor underestimated.”

He called this a “miscalculation” by Israel.

President Masoud Pezeshkian said, “We are not seeking war, but we will defend the rights of our nation and our country.”

Pezeshkian added that Iran “will give an appropriate response to the Zionist regime’s aggression.”

Also on Sunday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi Iran’s “right to respond” reiteratedHe also stated that Tehran “received indications” hours before Israel’s attack.

US news site Axios said on Saturday that Israel had “sent a message to Iran” ahead of the attack, warning it “against a response”.