Officials in Tehran have also escalated their rhetoric in step with the escalating military action.

We’ve heard a lot of statements from the Iranian side saying that they are going to continue retaliations as long as Israeli strikes continue,” Asadi said.

While Iran’s foreign minister is travelling to Geneva to meet with European counterparts in the hope of de-escalating the situation, Asadi said Iranians are ready to “step back” but that would only be possible if the “Israelis step back”.

“The reality on the ground seems to be far from that as we see the continuation of Israeli strikes,” he said.

“We are hearing strong messages sent by different Iranian military officials saying that they are going to continue to provide Israelis with the repercussions of these strikes, and there is going to be a crushing answer down the road,” he added.

via AJ