There is a lot of posturing for political effect in both nations.
In real war there is rarely any warning. Surprise is the most important weapon in any war. When a nation is going to war they never give warning. Hitler did not call up France and say the Germans are coming. Japan did not try a couple of low level attacks on Hawaii before Pear Harbor.
Low level attack and low level counter attacks are always for potlitical effect.
Always consider the goal of the media. The prime goal is to gain audience. Informing you of the true situation and probable outcome is not much of a factor. It comes in about 93 on the top one hundred media goals list.