Millions of people are embracing 2020 with excitement. Many have created resolutions, started new jobs, and made important changes in their lives. One thing many people probably didn’t expect coming into the new year was the talk of a World War Three (WWIII).  

On January 3rd, 2020, General Qassem Soleimani, commander of Iran’s elite Quad Forces, was assassinated at Baghdad International Airport by US military forces.

Many foreign governments are calling this action “reckless”, “a dangerous escalation” and “severe revenge”. 

Former Vice President, Joe Biden, said that Soleimani, “deserved to be brought to justice for his crimes against American troops and thousands of innocents throughout the region,” but argues that this decision could be the start of something dangerous. The Democratic presidential frontrunner stopped short of praising the Trump administration, however, and warned of adverse consequences, adding that “this is a hugely escalatory move in an already dangerous region.”

Many people agree with Biden’s statement, agreeing that it was a very risky move for America and its allies. 

Iran has voiced that they plan on responding harshly to the assassination by striking America or its foreign partners. 

“General Soleimani was actively developing plans to attack American diplomats and service members in Iraq and throughout the region,” the Defense Department said in a recent statement. 

It’s no question that Iran will continue to develop these plans, American forces are just unsure of when or where they will strike. 

Just a few days after the assassination, a Ukrainian commercial airplane was shot down in Iran, killing all 176 passengers. Iran claimed that it was “unintentionally” shot down. 

After Iran admitted to shooting down the airplane, protest of hundreds of people erupted. 

Many are questioning if it was unintentional or not. These questions are causing the Republicans and Democrats to disagree more than ever. 

The Democrats believe that it is the fault of the United States that the plane was shot down, while Republicans believe that it was Iran’s retaliation and hatred. 

Many countries have grown uneasy in light of the hostile interactions between the U.S. and Iran.

“Trump through his gamble has dragged the U.S. into the most dangerous situation in the region,” Hessameddin Ashena wrote on the social media app Telegram, “whoever put his foot beyond the red line should be ready to face its consequences.”

Iran has communicated to the U.S. and Israel to prepare for the worst. Iran officials are warning Donald Trump if he makes another wrong move that it will lead to another World War, wiping Israel from the face of the earth. 

So, should we be preparing for another World War?