On Saturday the 21st of June, the largest B-2 operation strike in US history, named operation Midnight Hammer, targeted three Iranian nuclear bases. A total of 14 MOPs (Massive Ordnance Penetrators) or “bunk busters” were dropped on targets at Fordo and Natanz in the span of 25 minutes. The surprise attack on Iran was described by Pete Hegseth as “devastat[ing] the Iranian nuclear program”. Evidently, this was a show of might from the US to the rest of the world, to reinstate their dominance over military might, as well as targeting one of the only countries in the world with nuclear weapons.
There are nine countries in the world who currently have nuclear weapons: Russia, the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, Israel, and North Korea. Half of these countries are not only not allied with the US but even shown hostility towards the US. This show of strength would either lessen conflicts as nations could become hesitant to make a move, but could also have the opposite effect of increasing tensions that have been strained for decades.
Clearly, this is a pretty popular thought process, with some sources jumping on the opportunity to create WW3-related content (such as this article). One quick search of the keyword “WW3” on the news section of google shows titles such as “These Countries May Offer The Safest Refuge If World War III Erupts” or “America’s most dangerous places to live in event of nuclear attack and WW3”. But the people are not the only ones preparing for the worst situation; the UK had also responded very quickly to the US’ attack by purchasing “a dozen F-35A fighter jets capable of firing tactical nuclear weapons” on June 25th, all from American defense and aerospace manufacturer Lockheed Martin. This would help the UK align their interests with not only protecting their own nation but also NATO as well as continuing their traditional role as a defender of European security.
Many of these responses seem logical, considering the US’ extremely hostile attacks were targeted at an almost equally hostile nation who is a regional military superpower as well a top 20 global military power according to the GFP Review PwrIndx. On the 23rd of June, Iran responded with missile strikes towards Qatar, who they had reportedly warned before sending the missiles, likely an attempt to minimise casualties and damage to the nation. While the exact number of missiles deployed are unclear, with Iran reporting six whilst the US reported 14 and Qatar, 19. Nevertheless, all of these missiles were also reported as being intercepted by Qatar thus causing no casualties as well as minimal damage to the targeted US military base.
Both of these attacks are a result of the US involving themselves in a military conflict between Israel and Iran that had started on the 13th of June. Shortly after Iran’s attack, the US presented a ceasefire proposal, which Israel publicly agreed to on the 24th of June. Meanwhile, Iran, not outright agreeing, said that they would only stop their attacks if Israel did the same. Though a ceasefire is currently under effect the nations attacks had persisted in the days and even hours leading up to the ceasefire, revealing their still very palpable tension.
While one conflict has been put to a pause for now, there are still many conflicts occurring all over the world which are equally serious and just as much a cause of concern. With many countries becoming bolder in their decisions and with the mistakes of previous World Wars starting to resurface or perhaps the tragedies are too long in the past for these world leaders to consider, a large-scale, global conflict could be likely. With so many tensions being pulled to a snapping point, it would be unproductive to predict which countries will snap first. Rather, people need to remain vigilant and not only prepare for the worst, but also help support those in these conflicts and if you are in a relatively peaceful area, enjoy your peacetime.
Written by Vi Lam Dinh
