Hi,
This not World War III, as many people who are quickly to call every major escalation a World War III.
But the current war in the Middle East, even with attacks involving Iran and multiple fronts and Israel with multiple frontiers, do not meet the definition of a world war.
Even adding the long lasting war between Russia and Ukraine does not change the definition of the current definition.
First, a world war requires large global alliances fighting each other directly. In World War I and World War II, dozens of countries formally declared war and mobilized their entire societies: economies, industries, and populations — for total war. Today, even with serious fighting and regional escalation, most countries are not directly at war with each other.
Second, the fighting is still regional rather than global. Conflicts involving Iranand its proxy in Lenabanon (Hezbolla), Yemen (Houthis), Syria against USA, Israel, the Arab countries of the Arab Gulf are only concentrated in Middle East region.
In a true world war, battles occur across multiple continents with major powers directly fighting each other.
Third, the major powers are not fighting each other directly. Countries like the United States, Russia, and China are not in direct large-scale combat with one another. In past world wars, the biggest military powers were engaged in full combat on multiple fronts.
Finally, despite the rhetoric, most governments are actively trying to prevent escalation, not expand it. Diplomatic channels remain open, and even rivals are carefully avoiding steps that would trigger a truly global conflict.
I myself felt we are on the edge a world war about 2 years ago after October 7th attack. Now, and even then I could say it is not World War III.
Take Care
Gad
https://youtu.be/IOSqBtHJptE?si=mTP5qdaaqq3eR3Ub
Iranian ballistic missile crossing Israel sky tonight (we were in the protected area during this time)