The story: Iranian media have rejected claims that a missile defense system was damaged in a suspected Israeli attack in the central city of Isfahan. Meanwhile, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has hailed the armed forces for the unprecedented Apr. 14 drone and missile strike on Israel—urging the military to pursue “innovations in arms…and understanding the enemy’s tactics.” Observers interpret these steps as the Islamic Republic seeking to de-escalate tensions with its arch-enemy.

The coverage: Iranian media from across the political spectrum have downplayed the significance of a suspected Israeli...