The extent of the escalation is currently difficult to predict and depends on the targets and outcomes of the latest U.S.-Israeli strikes, Tang Zhichao, director of the Center for Middle East Development and Governance Studies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said in an interview with CGTN.

Tang added that the future situation is highly uncertain. First, the U.S. strategic objectives are unclear; second, the scope and targets of reciprocal strikes are still uncertain; third, the internal situation in Iran is unpredictable, especially with the weakening of the leadership and military.