Does World War III start here? What the Iranian attack on Israel means for the region | World News

The conflict in the Middle East escalated dramatically on Tuesday evening when Iran fired a volley of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah militant leaders and attacks in Lebanon. The attack triggered alarm across Israel, forcing civilians to seek shelter and the military to raise its air defense systems. Follow live updates

After the attack, Israel vowed retaliation and said it would respond at the “time and place of its choosing.” However, Iran warned that it would carry out “devastating attacks” against Israel if it retaliated for the attack.

This has raised great fears of a third world war around the world.

According to Israeli Embassy in India spokesman Guy Nir, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) is currently assessing the rocket attack and preparing an appropriate response to Tehran, he reported NDTV. He shared that it would be a “mistake for Iran” if Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei wanted to start an all-out war with Israel.

Nir also warned other nations that might consider joining Iran in attacking Israel, urging them not to do so. “The result will be devastating for them too,” he said NDTV.

It is worth noting that the United States, which has long been an ally of Israel, has ordered military aid to the country. These included systems that helped destroy incoming missiles. According to the White House on Tuesday, US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been keeping an eye on the situation in the Middle East.

“President Biden directed the U.S. military to assist Israel in defending itself against Iranian attacks and to shoot down missiles targeting Israel,” the White House said in a statement.

World War III trends on social media

Meanwhile, social media platforms were flooded with “World War III”-themed slogans and posts as fears grew worldwide.

“Israel Iron Dome failed to stop Iranian missiles hitting Tel Aviv. It seems like World War III is here,” one X user wrote. Another said: “World War III has already begun.”

One user said: “It’s clear to everyone on Twitter that we’re heading into World War III, and it’s all because our government is complicit in Israel terrorizing the entire region.”

“If #Iran thinks it can defeat Israel with a rocket attack, it is mistaken. Currently #Israel is a very big power and America is behind it. In doing so, Iran brought about World War III. Netanyahu will answer this very soon, this war will be deadly for human civilization,” said one netizen.