These days, whenever the news is on, it's all about missiles in the Middle East.

The military clashes between Israel and Iran seem to have evolved from mere local conflicts to proxy wars on the global political stage.

In the past, the Middle East was described as being in a constant state of tension, but now there are open bombings, drones flying around, and the whole world is watching closely.

Since the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, over 1,500 Israelis have died, and in Gaza, the devastation has resulted in the deaths of over 55,000 Hamas members and civilians.

Now, with ongoing exchanges of fire between Israel and Iran, casualties on both sides continue to rise, and hospitals are overflowing with patients.

Having observed Middle Eastern issues for 50 years, I have never seen an atmosphere like this.

It feels as if we are on the brink of opening the door to the infamous 'Third World War' originating from the Middle East.

The conflict between Israel and Iran is not a recent development. The confrontation between Iran, the leader of the Shia, and Israel, the only Jewish state, intertwines issues of religion, politics, and survival. Recently, Israel has struck Iranian Revolutionary Guard positions by crossing into Syria and Lebanon, and Iran has retaliated with drones and missiles. This retaliation leads to further retaliation. It's a vicious cycle.

However, this time feels different. The United States has intervened, and Russia has strengthened military cooperation with Iran. China appears to be mediating diplomatically while effectively siding with Iran. The power struggle among superpowers surrounding the Middle East has officially begun. This is an upgraded version of the 'Cold War.'

The United States has traditionally been Israel's strongest ally. The U.S. Navy aircraft carrier has already moved to the Mediterranean, and the Air Force is conducting military exercises near Israel. While publicly stating a desire to prevent escalation, it is safe to say that preparations for intervention are complete.

Moreover, the U.S. seems to be attempting to cover up its domestic political crisis through this situation. The Trump administration is looking for a moment to showcase its diplomatic leadership lost in the trade war. Additionally, the military-industrial complex and lobbyists eager to create a 'War on Terror 2.0' are also on high alert.

As you know, over the past three years, Russia has completely split from the West due to the Ukraine war. It is trying to expand its influence in the Middle East by partnering with Iran. It is no secret that Russia is purchasing weapons such as Iranian drones and missiles.

China is more cunning. It has a history of successfully mediating between Saudi Arabia and Iran, presenting itself as a 'peace mediator' in the Middle East. However, its true intentions are not merely mediation. It is a calculated action aimed at securing oil, promoting the New Silk Road, and weakening U.S. influence. China does not want 'war' at all, but while the U.S. focuses on the Middle East, it is pursuing a strategy to maximize its own interests.

Honestly, the probability of the events occurring in the Middle East escalating into a 'Third World War' is still low.

This is because no one wants that. The U.S., Russia, and China do not want to provoke a major conflict right now.

Now, all countries prioritize their economies. They all understand that if a full-scale war breaks out, everyone will suffer.

However, 'proxy wars' have already begun. Ukraine-Russia, Taiwan-China, and Israel-Iran in the Middle East. The world is only increasing tensions on fragmented fronts.

If someone emerges to unify this or if an accidental clash escalates in an unexpected direction, the narrative will change. That is the 'domino effect' that people fear.

Especially if we remember that the conflict between India and Pakistan in May 2025 ended in a ceasefire after just four days, there is no doubt that the current international situation is extremely unstable.

I never thought I would feel the threat of war so closely as I do now. War seemed like a story of others or something from movies, but these days, every time I watch the news, my heart sinks. Friends with children worry, asking, "Is something really going to happen?" and economic news fluctuates almost daily. Even if war does not start, the mere 'atmosphere' of war is already shaking people's lives.

In times like this, we need to look at reality more calmly and accurately grasp information.

Instead of being swayed by the flood of fake news or YouTube conspiracy theories, we need the ability to sense where the flow is heading. And above all, we are reminded of how important 'peace' is. War has always been for the benefit of politicians, and the ordinary people always bear the brunt of the damage.

How should ordinary people like us endure this time? There is no answer, but it seems we cannot live indifferently. We become sensitive to even a single line of news, and the stability of our lives can change depending on the direction of global affairs.

Let us hope that the Third World War does not come. However, it is certain that we have entered an era where we cannot dismiss even the possibility of it as 'absolutely not.'