The Israel updated it Iran from Friday for air strikes even warning them not to respond, three sources with knowledge of the matter told Axios.

The Israeli message was an attempt to limit the exchange of attacks between the two countries and prevent a wider escalation, the same sources said.

US and Israeli officials said the airstrike came in three waves on Saturday morning.

The first wave focused on air defense system of Iran, while the second and third wave it focused on missile and drone bases as well as weapons production facilities.

Iran reported that it repelled that Israeli attack and that only “limited damage” occurred at military targets across the country.

Israeli officials said the attack was in retaliation for Iran’s massive ballistic missile attack on October 1.

According to the same sources, the Israeli message was conveyed to the Iranians through several third parties.

“The Israelis made it clear in advance to the Iranians where they were going to attack and where they weren’t going to attack,” a source told Axios.

Two other sources said Israel warned the Iranians not to respond to the attack and stressed that if Iran retaliated, Israel would launch another, more severe attack, especially if Israeli civilians were killed or injured.

The Israeli prime minister’s office did not respond for comment.

Iran has said it does not want an all-out war with Israel, but will retaliate if attacked.

On Saturday, IDF spokesman Rear Adm Daniel Hagari he told reporters that if Iran retaliates, Israel will be forced to respond.

American official said that the USA were not involved in the Israeli operation, but that if Iran responds, the USA is ready to defend Israel against such an attack.

“This should be the end of attacks from both sides,” the official added. “If Iran attacks Israel again there will be consequences. We communicated it directly and indirectly to Iran.”

One of the third parties who carried the message to Iran before the Israeli strike was Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkampa source said.

“I spoke with Iran’s Foreign Minister about the war and heightened tensions in the region. Regarding the latter, I asked for restraint. All parties must work to prevent further escalation,” Veldcamp wrote to X several hours before the Israeli attack.

US officials said they expected Iran to respond to the Israeli attack in the coming days, but in a limited way that would allow Israel to stop the cycle of retaliation.

“Our goal is to accelerate diplomacy and de-escalate tensions in the Middle East region. We urge Iran to cease its attacks on Israel so that this cycle of fighting can end without further escalation,” National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said.