In a calculated move to de-escalate tensions, both U.S. and Israeli officials refrained from publicly acknowledging the recent Israeli strike on an Iranian air defense radar site. The strike, reportedly carried out by Israeli fighter aircraft, targeted a radar site near Isfahan, Iran, which helps protect a nearby nuclear facility.

Amidst weeks of public calls from U.S. officials urging Israel to exercise restraint, the avoidance of acknowledgment seemed to be aimed at preventing Iran from retaliating. At the conclusion of a G7 foreign ministers meeting in Capri, Italy, Secretary of State Antony Blinken was asked about the incident, but he chose not to comment, stating that the United States had not been involved in any offensive operations and was working towards de-escalation.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani provided a subtle indication that Israel had informed the United States beforehand about the strike, but clarified that there was no US involvement beyond sharing of information.

The limited scope of the strike was believed to be a message to Iran, demonstrating Israel's ability to cause damage without provoking a significant response. However, Iran dismissed the strike as a media exaggeration, with Iranian Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian stating that it caused no financial or life damage.

Experts noted that the attack was carefully calibrated to send a message without escalating the situation. Shuki Friedman of the Jewish People Policy Institute likened it to a "text message" from Israel, showing Iran that they have the capability to strike anywhere while showcasing the potential for more significant attacks.

Mick Mulroy, a former deputy secretary of defense for the Middle East, echoed the sentiment that the Israeli strike was meant to avoid provocation and contained the potential for retaliation. He highlighted the Israeli officials' decision not to publicly discuss the incident, stating that it was counterproductive to containment and de-escalation efforts.

The response from the United States was similarly reserved. At the Pentagon, there were no plans to brief reporters, and the State Department remained quiet. The White House National Security Council spokesman, who had been providing regular briefings throughout the week, was absent from the daily press briefing.

When pressed by reporters on the reason for declining comment, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the administration's desire to de-escalate the conflict. The silence observed from both U.S. and Israeli officials was seen as an attempt to prevent the situation from spiraling into a full-scale war.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Iran will respond to the strike and whether further action will be taken. The international community is closely monitoring the region, hoping for calm and stability to be restored.

ABC's Matt Gutman contributed to this report.