Latest news with #WWIII
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Who will launch nukes first amid WW3 fears, according to experts
As fears of all-out nuclear war intensify, scientists are sounding the alarm that the decision to launch a catastrophic strike could soon rest not with world leaders, but with a machine. In a stark warning, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), an independent group that monitors global security issues, reported that the decades-long decline in global nuclear arsenals has come to an end. Instead, nations are now modernizing, expanding, and deploying their stockpiles at a rapid and alarming pace, signaling the onset of a new, high-tech arms race. While AI and similar technologies can accelerate decision-making during crises, scientists warn they also raise the risk of nuclear conflict through miscommunication, misunderstanding, or technical failure, the report stated. In a nuclear standoff, decision-makers often have only minutes to assess threats and respond. AI systems can process vast amounts of information in real time, potentially aiding faster decisions, but possibly at the expense of caution. Dan Smith, the director of SIPRI, wrote: 'We see the warning signs of a new nuclear arms race at a particularly dangerous and unstable moment for geopolitics.' 'If the decision to launch nuclear weapons is ever fully handed over to AI, we'd be approaching true doomsday scenarios,' Smith continued. The report follows Israel's attack on Iran's nuclear and missile facilities last week, sparking fears that WWIII may be imminent. While the White House played no direct role in the strike, President Donald Trump suggested that Iran had brought the attack on itself by resisting an ultimatum in talks to restrict its nuclear program. Iran does not possess such weapons yet, but its allies, Russia and China, have more than 6,000 nuclear warheads combined. On Thursday, the White House confirmed that Trump will decide within the next two weeks whether to launch a military strike on Iran aimed at crippling its nuclear capabilities. The announcement came as Israel and Iran exchanged missile fire and drone attacks for the seventh consecutive day. According to the report, an estimated 12,241 nuclear warheads are currently held by nine countries: the US, Russia, the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, North Korea, and Israel. Nuclear powers, including the US and China, are ramping up production of new, more sophisticated weapons at a faster pace than they are retiring older stockpiles. Smith and his team warned that incorporating AI into nuclear launch systems could significantly raise the risk of an accidental war. Despite the risks, SIPRI said that governments are increasingly drawn to the speed and processing power AI offers. 'One component of the coming arms race will be the attempt to gain and maintain a competitive edge in artificial intelligence, both for offensive and defensive purposes,' Smith said in the SIPRI report. 'AI has a wide range of potential strategic utility; there are benefits to be found, but the careless adoption of AI could significantly increase nuclear risk,' Smith cautioned. The 2025 report also pointed out that at multiple times in the history of nuclear weapons, a cataclysmic war has almost taken place completely by accident. One of the most well-known incidents occurred in September 1983, when a Soviet early-warning system falsely reported five incoming US missiles. Fortunately, Lieutenant Colonel Stanislav Petrov, the duty officer at the time, questioned the validity of the alert. He reasoned that a real American first strike would involve far more warheads and chose not to escalate the alert. His decision is widely credited with preventing a possible global catastrophe. 'Had he believed the information, he would have passed it up the line and, though there is no certainty either way, his superiors, wrongly thinking they were under attack, might have decided upon retaliation,' Smith wrote. Smith added that the speed at which AI operates means that in future conflicts, people like Petrov might not have the time to prevent a computer's decision to launch a retaliatory strike. The SIPRI report also cited recent revelations about the secret arms race taking place among the world's nuclear superpowers. Officially, five countries, China, Pakistan, India, Israel, and North Korea, have increased their nuclear stockpiles by over 700 warheads over the past 40 years. That's according to a 2024 report by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS), a nonprofit global policy think tank. The fastest-growing arsenal is China's, with Beijing adding about 100 new warheads per year since 2023, according to SIPRI's latest count, which claimed the Chinese now have 600 nuclear bombs as of 2025. China could potentially have at least as many intercontinental ballistic missiles as either Russia or the US by the 2030s. Of the estimated 12,241 nuclear warheads worldwide, about 9,614 were in the active military stockpiles for potential use. Approximately 2,100 of the warheads that have been actively deployed are currently in a state of high operational alert - attached to ballistic missiles on ships, submarines, or planes. 'The era of reductions in the number of nuclear weapons in the world, which had lasted since the end of the Cold War, is coming to an end,' the SIPRI report warned. 'Instead, we see a clear trend of growing nuclear arsenals, sharpened nuclear rhetoric and the abandonment of arms control agreements.' SIPRI said Russia and the US, which possess around 90 percent of all nuclear weapons, kept the sizes of their respective arsenals relatively stable in 2024. However, both were implementing extensive modernization programs that could increase the size of their arsenals in the future.
NDTV
21 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
World War III Memes Flood Internet Amid Growing Conflict Between Israel And Iran
The situation in the Middle East continues to escalate amid growing tensions between Iran and Israel. The entire region teeters on the edge of a broader conflict amid speculations that the US might directly join Tel Aviv against Tehran. But on social media, a battle has broken out where users are sharing information nuggets and memes on World War III. Although the president suggested he does not want to engage in a war with Iran, he would not let Tehran acquire a nuclear weapon. He earlier warned Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, "We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding." Here's how the internet has reacted: — Sweet Heart Groyper 💘 (@iflitifloat) June 17, 2025 my first World War, kinda nervous — IndiaWarMonitor (@IndiaWarMonitor) June 17, 2025 fomo ka maara hai ye — SwatKat💃 (@swatic12) June 17, 2025 — God Emperor Leto Atreides II (@bringmeaduncan) June 17, 2025 My thoughts on WWIII — りり (@lalenakittenns) June 16, 2025 I am getting ready for WWIII — HiMyNameIsJC 🫡 (@HiMyNameIsJC_) June 17, 2025 How it feels looking for a job in the midst of a recession, ICE raids, and the onset of WWIII — sam "mx. mfa" y'all (@samiamrosenberg) June 18, 2025 Trump is not in control. — Samantha Thompson 🏴 (@SamLovesEngland) June 17, 2025 India's Operation Sindhu India has been taking various steps for the safety and security of Indian nationals in Iran. The Indian Embassy evacuated 110 Indian students from northern Iran, assisting them in safely crossing over into Armenia on 17th June 2025. The students departed Yerevan on a special flight at 1455 hrs on June 18 as part of the initial stages of Operation Sindhu. India has also advised nationals in Iran to stay in touch with the Indian Embassy in Tehran. "The Government of India is grateful to the Governments of Iran and Armenia for the smooth facilitation of the evacuation process," India's foreign ministry said.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
WWIII is trending on social media and Gen Z is coping one meme (or loaf) at a time
Israel-Iran War: In a world battered by rising conflict—from Iran to Ukraine to Kashmir—people have found an unexpected coping tool: humour. As fears of World War III surface online, social media users are turning anxiety into memes. Sarcasm now accompanies missile warnings, and jokes mask very real concerns. With Donald Trump's blunt threats to Iran and global military movements underway, the internet has become a digital refuge. For now, when diplomacy falters and danger spreads, laughter remains one of the last shared shields. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads "WWIII anyone? Bread." Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Iran–Israel on the brink Conflicts across the world: From Kyiv to Gaza Sarcasm as survival In June 2025, the world is not just watching war unfold—it's watching it trend. The phrase 'World War III' has become a leading hashtag on X, formerly Twitter, driven by a new wave of dark memes, anxiety, and digital missile strikes in the Middle East to border skirmishes in Kashmir, tension is spreading fast. But online, many are meeting it with humour—equal parts coping mechanism and quiet emerge as a way to manage collective dreadSome laugh, some bake. One user, @difficultpatty, posted, 'My toxic trait is that I use baking as a coping mechanism. Sad? Bread. Anxious? Bread. WWIII? Bread.'Another joked about job-hunting during wartime, 'How it feels looking for a job in the midst of a recession, ICE raids, and the onset of WWIII.' — @samiamrosenbergFor others, the memories run deeper. @jswtreeman shared, 'I was in elementary school in the 60s. I am well trained to survive WWIII.'And @JimRoland15 summed up the mood bluntly, 'WWIII about to start? Better get some pho while I still can.'This digital flood of irony isn't coming from nowhere. It's rooted in fear—and in a string of conflicts escalating at once. Operation Rising Lion draws in Trump, Tehran, and global powersOn 14 June 2025, Israel launched its largest aerial assault on Iran, targeting nuclear and military infrastructure under Operation Rising Lion. The Iranian response was swift and direct—missiles and drones struck Tel Aviv and other Israeli Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei warned, 'We must give a strong response to the terrorist Zionist regime. We will show the Zionists no mercy.'Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump took to X with threats of his own.'We know exactly where the so-called 'Supreme Leader' is hiding. He is an easy target but is safe there—we are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now. But we don't want missiles shot at civilians or American soldiers. Our patience is wearing thin.'In a follow-up post, Trump declared in all caps, 'Unconditional surrender.'He added, 'We now have complete and total control of the skies over Iran. Iran had good sky trackers and other defensive equipment, and plenty of it, but it doesn't compare to American-made, conceived, and manufactured 'stuff'. Nobody does it better than the good ol' USA.'With reports of U.S. F-16s, F-22s and F-35s moving into the region, and warships prepared to intercept ballistic missiles, the threat of a wider conflict looms large. America already maintains 40,000 troops in the wars, no signs of peaceWhile the Middle East grabs headlines, other conflicts continue to Now in its fourth year, the war has killed tens of thousands. Russian troops continue advancing in the east, while Ukraine pushes back with support from the West. Entire cities lie in ruin. NATO-Russia tensions remain Renewed fighting since October 2023 has led to over 55,000 reported deaths, mostly in Gaza. Israeli ground operations and Hamas rocket attacks keep the region locked in cycles of violence. Ceasefire efforts are On 22 April 2025, a terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 Indian tourists. India responded with missile strikes on Pakistan-administered Kashmir under Operation Sindoor. Pakistan retaliated with drone and mortar attacks. Civilians were killed. Tensions along the Line of Control remain become modern resistance in a fractured worldAs real bombs fall, the digital world reacts in gifs and one-liners. Some memes target the absurdity of global diplomacy. Others mock the parallels to previous wars. Flashbacks to America's 2003 invasion of Iraq over nonexistent Weapons of Mass Destruction are common.'Here we go again,' reads one caption. 'First WMDs, now this.'One user wrote simply, 'My first world war. Kinda nervous.' — @swatic12Another posted a photo of a wartime bakery with the caption:'Doctor who lost his life while saving humans during the COVID pandemic: [facepalming during WWIII]' — @HowHumansIn these jokes lie real questions. Are governments acting in the public's interest? Will anyone be held accountable if things go wrong—again?Social media is shaping how people process real-time warfareThe rise of WWIII memes isn't just about jokes. It's a collective way of processing global insecurity. A world that once clapped for health workers now scrolls past images of drone strikes with gallows media, for all its flaws, is where the psychological cost of war is visible—loud, anxious, and often diplomats fail and leaders posture, people online are asking the question behind every meme:Are we living through the start of something bigger?And if so—what can we do about it?
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
A list of 'safest' countries to seek shelter as World War III fear looms
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran has once again raised fear that World War III might break out. Israel has carried out wide-ranging military strikes on Iran, hitting sites including some of its most important nuclear installations. Iran's supreme leader warned that any US strike on his country will have serious consequences, and Iran will not accept any peace imposed by force. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was responding, via a statement on state Television, to US President Donald Trump calling for Iran to surrender, as the conflict between Israel and Iran threatens to escalate even further. ALSO READ: Big worry for Iran emerges as it 'struggles' to keep up with Israel amid World War III fear Countries to seek refuge if WWIII breaks out People across the globe are considering potential safe spots as the threat of another World War looms amid the rising tensions in the Middle East. The mid-east region currently remains a tensed region with the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza with the situation taking a turn for the worse last week when Iran stepped into the fray, adding another layer to the already complex conflict. Since last year, the world has been engaged in the highest number of conflicts since World War II, so it's understandable that many of us are wondering what to do in the event of a third world war. Here's a list of safest countries to move to if a third World War breaks out: Live Events -Antarctica: Antarctica might be one of the safest spots to head to in case of a nuclear war, according to the map's creators suggestion. Due to its isolated location at the southernmost point on Earth, it holds little to no strategic value. Additionally, its vast expanse of 5.4 million square miles of untouched land offers ample space for thousands to seek refuge from potential conflict. -Iceland: Another potential safe haven could be Iceland, situated up north. In addition to its relative isolation, the country is recognized as one of the most peaceful in the world and is reportedly known for never having participated in any war or invasion. ALSO READ: VA spokesperson issues clarification on bombshell report claiming doctors can refuse treatment to Democrats -South Africa: South Africa is also in the list of a potential safe spot in the event of World War Three. With abundant food sources, fertile land, and access to freshwater, it offers strong prospects for self-sufficiency. Moreover, the modern infrastructure of South Africa also plays a crucial role. -Fiji: Fiji, a remote island nation, is situated approximately 2,700 miles from its nearest neighbor, Australia. With military presence, Fiji holds strategic importance and also ranks highly on the Global Peace Index and boasts rich natural resources. -Chile: Chile, a South American nation spanning more than 4,000 miles, has the potential to act as a strategic link between Moscow and Madrid. Abundant in diverse crops and natural resources essential for survival, it also stands out for having the most developed infrastructure on the continent. -Argentina: Argentina is considered one of the countries most likely to withstand a famine after a nuclear war. The South American nation is said to have a plentiful supply of crops, providing a significant food reserve even in the event of sunlight being blocked by nuclear fallout. ALSO READ: Kristi Noem's hospitalisation linked to her visit with RFK Jr to a controversial biohazard lab for Ebola, SARS-CoV-2? -New Zealand : At a time when fear of World War III looms, New Zealand could also be one of the countries where people can flee to escape. Ranked second on the Global Peace Index, the country has a longstanding record of neutrality in global conflicts. Its remote location and rugged mountainous terrain add a layer of natural defense against potential invasions and according to a report in Metro, this country is not on the radar list. -Tuvalu: Tuvalu, an island situated halfway between Hawaii and Australia, has a mere population of 11,000. The island's weak infrastructure and limited natural resources make it an unattractive target for potential aggressors. ALSO READ: 'Razer blade throat': New Covid variant 'Nimbus' in US is causing very painful symptom. Check details -Switzerland: Long associated with peace and neutrality, Switzerland is considered one of the few countries that might endure a nuclear conflict. Its longstanding non-involvement in wars since World War II, along with its mountainous terrain, offers a strong natural defense and it is also equipped with an extensive network of nuclear fallout shelters. -Greenland: Greenland, the world's largest island and a territory of Denmark, is unlikely to ever be a real target for any global superpower due to its remote location, political neutrality, and small population of just 56,000. -Indonesia: Indonesia, though a smaller nation, has firmly stated that it will not align itself with any side in global conflicts. Its founding president, Achmed Sukarno, characterized the country's foreign policy as "free and active." Government leaders continue to emphasize Indonesia's independent approach to international relations, with a strong focus on promoting global peace. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Five vital jobs that won't be conscripted into armed forces if World War 3 breaks out
Escalating attacks in the Middle East alongside Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine have sparked fears of WWIII. The terrifying prospect of World War Three feels closer than ever with escalating conflict in the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Israel's ongoing bombardment of Palestine is approaching two years, following Hamas' massacre on October 7, 2023, which claimed the lives of over 1,000 people. The death toll in Gaza following Israel's retaliation has passed 50,000, according to UN experts, with the majority believed to be women and children. The Middle East conflict has sparked worldwide protests against the Israeli regime, with the International Criminal Court issuing an arrest warrant for PM Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes. In recent days, Israel launched targeted attacks on Iran, with their strikes on nuclear bases killing dozens, mostly military commanders and nuclear scientists, according to Iran's UN ambassador. Iran retalliated by launching hundreds of missiles at Tel Aviv, claiming several lives and seeing locals hiding in bunkers. The tensions continue to mount, sparking fears of a global conflict. Iran has alligned itself with China and Russia - whose invasion of Ukraine continues with 18 reported dead this week after a series of strikes on Kyiv. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Israel has "a right to self-defence" but "reiterated the need for de-escalation" in call with Netanyahu. Donald Trump is still said to be weighing up his options, but officials from the President's administration have voiced support for Israel's operation. With lines seemingly being drawn on both sides, the grim possibility of WWIII looms ever closer. If another World War were to break out and the UK were to be involved, the idea of conscripting the population to the armed forces may be mooted in an attempt to boost Britain's military manpower. As reported by Yorkshire Live, during WWII men aged 20 to 22 were first conscripted in 1939, up to six months before the conflict broke out. The UK Parliament website explains: "During the spring of 1939 the deteriorating international situation forced the British government under Neville Chamberlain to consider preparations for a possible war against Nazi Germany. "Plans for limited conscription applying to single men aged between 20 and 22 were given parliamentary approval in the Military Training Act in May 1939. This required men to undertake six months' military training, and some 240,000 registered for service." When war was declared, the age range was immediately extended to men aged 18 to 41. But there were certain jobs that were exempt from conscription. These key workers were seen as crucial to keeping things running in the UK and, thus, weren't forced into military service. The roles were bakers, farmers, doctors, nurses, and engineers. The UK Parliament website continues: "On the day Britain declared war on Germany, September 3, 1939, Parliament immediately passed a more wide-reaching measure. "The National Service (Armed Forces) Act imposed conscription on all males aged between 18 and 41 who had to register for service. Those medically unfit were exempted, as were others in key industries and jobs such as baking, farming, medicine, and engineering." During the War, Brits who refused to comply with conscription due to moral objections to conflict were branded 'conscientious objectors'. They faced tribunals, but unlike during WWI when almost 6,000 were sent to prison and at least 70 died, they were then put to work aiding the war effort at home. As the war continued, conscription was advanced. By the end of 1941, women and 'all childless widows' between the ages of 20 and 30 were called up to the home front. Men aged up to 51 were also called upon for military service and those aged 52 to 60 were required to take part in "some form of military service". Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. The UK Parliament website added: "The main reason was that there were not enough men volunteering for police and civilian defence work, or women for the auxiliary units of the armed forces." On the potential for modern day conscription, Mike Martin, an Afghanistan veteran and the MP for Tunbridge Wells, previously told the Express: "There's a significant chance that it [war with Russia] might happen so we must be prepared." The Liberal Democrat issued a warning, saying that we would "obviously" start conscription if war with Russia broke out. He added: "There's no question about that," but emphasised the importance of strength as a deterrent. He said: "Being prepared generates deterrence, which decreases the likelihood [of war]. The whole point about building the military up is it decreases the likelihood of this happening. I think that's an important caveat. I've fought in wars, I'm not a warmonger. But I recognise that you've got to [pursue] peace through strength."
