According to commentators at the British newspaper Daily Star, a Third World War could break out as early as 2026. Citing expert assessments, the publication identifies five regions where a major conflict might start.

The first potential flashpoint, in their view, is the Caribbean. Tensions there are described as rising in connection with the policies of US President Donald Trump toward Venezuela. The authors argue that further militarisation of the area could draw major powers into a confrontation and push events far beyond the level of a local conflict.

The second zone of escalation is located around the Gulf of Finland, where confrontation between Russia and European states is said to be steadily intensifying. Increased military activity and the expansion of NATO infrastructure in the region, the article notes, could lead to consequences that are difficult to predict.

A third possible trigger point, the newspaper continues, is the Jinmen Islands off the coast of China. The authors believe these territories could be pulled into any escalation around Taiwan and become one of the key centres of tension in East Asia.

The fourth region on this risk map is the Strait of Hormuz, through which up to one fifth of the world’s seaborne oil exports passes. Analysts cited by the publication fear that, in the event of another flare-up between Iran, the United States or Israel, Teheran might attempt to block the strait. Such a move, they note, would trigger a serious international crisis.

The fifth possible starting point for a major war is named as the Korean Peninsula, with Seoul highlighted as its critical hub. Any escalation between North and South Korea, the article stresses, would inevitably pull in the United States, China and other major powers.

The piece also recalls that the Russian Foreign Ministry has previously stated that Europe and NATO are currently pursuing a dangerous course that could provoke the outbreak of a Third World War.