World War III has not begun — yet. But it could erupt at any moment. That warning came from Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Security Council, in comments to TASS.

Medvedev said it would be premature to formally declare the start of a global conflict. At the same time, he argued that the situation could spiral rapidly if US President Donald Trump continues what he described as a reckless course aimed at what he called the criminal overthrow of political regimes. Under such circumstances, Medvedev suggested, a large-scale war would become unavoidable.

He also stressed that virtually any incident could serve as the trigger for a third world war.

His remarks came against the backdrop of dramatic developments in the Middle East. On the morning of February 28, the United States, together with Israel, announced the launch of a military operation against Iran. Strikes targeted several cities across the Islamic Republic, including Tehran. One of the sites hit was the residence of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the attack.

Tehran responded with missile launches and the deployment of drones, striking targets inside Israel as well as US air bases in the Middle East.