One analyst said it was “good news” that Iran downplayed Israeli attacks on the country. US affiliate network NBC News.

Iran has previously said the strikes caused only “limited damage in certain areas.”

While the full extent of the damage is still unknown, the initial response opened the door to de-escalation, said Yossi Mekelberg, a senior advisor in Chatham House’s Middle East and North Africa program.

“Being careless about the damage gives them the opportunity to say ‘it’s over, the accounts have been settled’,” he said.

Mr. Mekelberg added that the killing of leaders of the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah militant groups, as well as an end to any direct conflict with Iran, could pave the way for a transition from military action to the “diplomatic, political sphere.”

“Whether Israel and Iran will think so is a different matter,” he added.