The United States and Israel delivered a significant blow to Iran on Saturday. In retaliation, Iran fired missiles and deployed drones targeting Israel and US military installations throughout the region. In an unusual development, “World War 3” started appearing on X as users shared photos and videos from Gulf countries where Iran allegedly carried out retaliatory attacks.
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Some of the initial strikes appeared to hit areas near Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s offices. Smoke rose over the capital as Iranian media reported attacks across the country. It was not immediately known whether the 86-year-old leader was present in his offices during the strikes.
Why is “World War 3” trending on X? Here is what users are writing
“And then you suddenly realize you’re not reading about history anymore when the subject is World War,” wrote a user on X.
Another user commented, O Allah, protect Saudi Arabia and every Muslim country. Give protection to all Muslims and every innocent soul. Bless them with peace, safety and stability and protect their nations from danger🤲 #WorldWar3″
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Taking a swipe at US President Donald Trump, one user said: “Now it’s not just a US-Israel-Iran war, it’s a world war. Welcome to #WorldWar3 and thank you Mr. Donald Trump.”
User commented: “No body wants this war”
Another user said: “This is Jordan. Everything looks terrible right now.”
One user said: “Iran’s missile attacks that endangered civilians in Kuwait and Dubai were a reckless and cowardly escalation that violated international norms and put innocent lives at risk.
The user commented: “High time the people of the USA removed Trump from the top job. No rest after his return”
Note: Mint could not independently verify the videos.
US President Donald Trump has called on the Iranian people to “take control of their destiny” by opposing the Islamic government that has ruled the country since 1979.
About 12 hours after the attacks began, the US military reported no US casualties and only minimal damage to US bases, despite “hundreds of Iranian missile and drone strikes”. Targets in Iran reportedly included Revolutionary Guard command centers, air defense systems, missile and drone launch sites, and military airfields.
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Some of the targets involved Iranian leadership, according to a US official and another individual briefed on the operation, although it was not immediately confirmed whether any senior officials were killed.
Democrats criticized Donald Trump for acting without congressional approval, while White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said several Republican and Democratic lawmakers had been notified in advance.
The AP agency reported that the UN Security Council said it would meet on Saturday afternoon. X’s UN nuclear watchdog said it was closely monitoring developments and had seen “no evidence of radiological impact”.
Iran was in a “near-total internet blackout,” advocacy group NetBlocks said.
(With input from agencies)
