Iran fears fuel global anxiety about World War 3

Rising tensions involving Iran, alongside ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and elsewhere, are fuelling growing fears that the world is entering a new era of instability.

For many people watching events unfold, the question is increasingly whether the current wave of global conflict signals something even bigger.

But geopolitical analysts say the situation, while deeply concerning, does not yet resemble a global war.

‘A permanent emergency’

Analyst Ben Graham Jones said the current moment feels like a major shift in the global order.

“It really feels like we are living in unprecedented times,” he said.

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“All of the things that we have taken for granted over the years, whether that's friends, allies, institutions, normal ways of behaviour on the international stage; everything seems to be changing.”

However, he cautioned against describing the situation as a new world war.

“When we look back at World War One or World War Two, it was clear who was on which side. There were clearly identifiable groupings. Now there is a lot more ambiguity.”

“For me, this feels more like a permanent emergency, a shake-up of the old world order. I'm not exactly sure what it is, but I wouldn't call it World War Three.”

Wars, instability and economic fears

Concerns about the Iran conflict come as the war between Russia and Ukraine enters its fourth year and tensions flare across multiple regions.

The uncertainty is not only about war itself, but also about its impact on daily life.

People are worried about rising costs, energy prices and the broader economic fallout from global instability.

These pressures can affect households and businesses far beyond the conflict zones.

A world facing serious challenges

Jones said the global situation is serious, even if it is not a world war.

“I don't think anybody could underplay the extent of the challenges we face now, whether it's these geopolitical tensions or whether it's the new concentrations of power with AI and new technologies.”

At the same time, he noted that many long-term global indicators — including life expectancy, literacy and education — remain at historic highs.

That creates a complex picture: a world that has made progress over decades but now faces significant geopolitical shocks.

Questions about the global order

The current instability has also raised questions about the strength of international institutions and the so-called rules-based global order.

Jones said there had long been an assumption that global rules and institutions could help manage disputes between countries.

But that assumption now appears weaker.

“There was a certain structure in place in the world that kept things together,” he said.

“What we've seen is that the world of competing powers vying for interests hasn't gone away.”

No appetite for a long war in Iran

Despite the growing tensions, Jones said there are currently few signs that the United States wants to become trapped in a long war with Iran.

“There’s no appetite for a forever war on the US side,” he said.

He added that the US could still step back from the conflict.

“The US can always stop. They can declare victory, say they’ve degraded nuclear or military capabilities, and end there.”

For now, he said, the future of the Iran conflict, and its wider impact on global stability, remains uncertain.

For more detailed information, listen to Jones on CapeTalk’s Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit using the audio player below: