Why is #WorldWar3 trending on X? Here are some key nations playing a part towards this viral hashtag

The United States and Israel have launched coordinated strikes on Iran on Saturday. The strikes were met with swift retaliation, sparking widespread speculation on social media. Within a few hours of the strike, the hashtag #WorldWar3 began trending on X as people responded to reports of missile strikes, drones, and smoke billowing from the Iranian capital city of Tehran.

What sparked the online frenzy?

The strikes targeted locations where Iran’s leadership is based. Explosions were heard at locations where Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is said to have his offices. Iran's Supreme Leader Khamenei, 86, is dead, according to Iranian state media reports from early Sunday, reported AP. Iranian state television announced his death; however, it did not provide details on the cause.

In retaliation for the attack, Iran launched missiles and drones targeting Israeli territory and US military bases in the region. Social media users shared unverified images from Gulf Countries where retaliatory strikes had reportedly hit locations close to US bases. NetBlocks, an advocacy group, reported a near-total blackout in Iran.

Also Read | Iran state media says Khamenei is dead, 'country to enter 40 days of mourning'

The nations at the centre

The United States has launched what President Donald Trump called “major combat operations” alongside Israel, motivated by security concerns. Israel, on the other hand, saw this as a measure to counter an existential threat.

Iran, through Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, dismissed the strikes as unprovoked and stated that they would defend themselves against the aggression. The tension between the three nations put them under the spotlight of a popular hashtag.

In the meantime, the United Nations Security Council held an emergency meeting on the issue. The International Atomic Energy Agency stated that there was no detection of radiological effect from the strikes. Various countries, like India, Germany, and China, have issued alerts to their citizens to leave Iran.

Memes, fear and global anxiety

On X, reactions ranged from alarm to satire. Some users questioned whether a global conflict had begun, while others posted memes or criticised political leaders. The phrase “World War 3” gained traction not because an official declaration had been made, but because the scale of involvement and rapid escalation between major powers raised fears of a wider conflict. Users started inquiring, “Is World War 3 occurring?", "Has WW3 begun?"

Also Read | 'Will begin in moments, targeting Israel and American terrorists bases': Iran warns of imminent 'devastating offensive operation'

A user wrote, “And then suddenly you realise you aren’t reading about history anymore when the topic is World War.”

“Is World War 3 about to start? Is the world coming to an end? If that’s the case, should we stop doing any office work?”, wrote an X user.

“Now, it's not just the America- Israel and Iran war, it's the world war. Welcome to the #WorldWar3 and thank you Mr. Donald Trump”, wrote another.

“President Donald Trump released an 8 minute statement confirming they began their attack on Iran with Israel. This might be the start of World War 3,” wrote another.