Jiyar Gol
BBC Persian correspondent

Before today’s attack, Israeli media reported that Israel sent a message to Iran through a third party, urging it not to retaliate.

Iran’s attacks on Israel on October 1 and Israel’s attacks on Iran today show that neither country wants a full-scale war and both are taking steps to minimize casualties. For example, the attacks deliberately avoided Iran’s oil and nuclear facilities.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari claimed that the targets included missile production facilities, surface-to-air missile locations and air defense systems, adding that “Israel now has greater air maneuverability over Iran.” The focus seems to be on demonstrating military effect rather than inflicting serious damage.

Iranian state media claims that Israel is exaggerating the extent of attacks on sensitive areas today. In April, the Iranian government denied an attack targeting Iranian air defenses near Isfahan, but last week General Jafari, a former commander of the Revolutionary Guard, acknowledged that it had occurred, although he minimized its impact.

In the coming days, many in Israel and Iran will be holding their breath to see whether Iran will retaliate, refrain from responding as Iran did after the Isfahan incident, or choose a different course of action.