A general serving under Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a troubling statement, asserting that World War 3 has ‘already begun’ amidst the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
The prospect of a third World War frequently resurfaces in media discussions, given the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict and the increasing hostilities between Israel and Iran.
Israel’s unexpected assault on Iran’s nuclear and military sites last week (June 13) prompted a retaliatory response from Iran.
Over the weekend, Israel and Iran exchanged attacks, resulting in an Iranian missile strike on Tel Aviv that killed three civilians.
Iran has warned that Western intervention will provoke strikes on its bases, while Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued further threats, saying: “If Khamenei continues to fire missiles at the Israeli home front, Tehran will burn.”
Coupled with the Russia-Ukraine war, these developments contribute to global uncertainty.
Apti Alaudinov, one of Putin’s generals, has intensified concerns by urging the Russian president to deploy troops and highlight the country’s significant nuclear capabilities.
On Telegram, Alaudinov stated, “We need to declare mobilisation.”
He suggested that Russia could conscript up to one million soldiers, adding: “We need to prepare at least half a million people in advance. But realistically one million people. We need to call them up and start preparing them for the fact that the war has already begun, which we already know is happening – World War 3. But it has already taken on a new turn and a new momentum.
“And so that no one dares to play with us the way they played with all the other countries, and now with Iran. Believe me, we all need to unite, unite, unite at all levels.”
The Israeli strikes are a response to heightened tensions over Iran’s rapidly advancing nuclear program, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing the actions as ‘a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat to Israel’s very survival’.
Donald Trump has also commented on the escalating Middle Eastern tensions. On Truth Social, he wrote: “Certain Iranian hardliner’s spoke bravely, but they didn’t know what was about to happen. They are all DEAD now, and it will only get worse!
“There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end.
“Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left, and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire. No more death, no more destruction, JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. God Bless You All!”