Rising tensions between Israel and Iran, coupled with recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, have sparked widespread anxiety over the potential outbreak of a third world war.
As concerns mount across news outlets and social media platforms, many Americans are left wondering: if global conflict erupts, who would be called upon to defend the nation?
On June 21, the United States launched a military operation named “Operation Midnight Hammer,” striking three of Iran’s key nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Sanctioned by President Trump, the mission aimed to disrupt Iran’s ongoing nuclear weapons development efforts.
In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump announced, “Our very successful attack on Iran’s three nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan, is complete.
All aircraft have safely exited Iranian airspace. A full payload of bombs was dropped on Fordow, the primary target. All planes are returning home safely.”
He followed with a stern warning: “Any retaliation by Iran against the United States will be met with force far greater than what was witnessed tonight. Thank you! — Donald J. Trump, President of the United States.”
Later in the week, Trump openly criticized both Iran and Israel for violating a recently brokered ceasefire. “As soon as the deal was made, Israel launched an unprecedented bombing campaign—the largest seen,” Trump told reporters. “I’m not pleased with Israel,” he added bluntly.
He continued, “Dropping all your bombs within the first hour is reckless. I’m unhappy with both sides. These two countries have been fighting for so long that neither seems to know what they’re doing.”
At the NATO summit in the Netherlands, Trump was questioned about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions. According to The Independent, Trump responded, “Putin might be misguided. He probably wants out of this conflict—it’s a mess for him.”
In response to rising international tensions, NATO leaders agreed to significantly boost defense spending.
Meanwhile, Russian General Apti Alaudinov voiced a growing concern shared by many observers—that the world may already be engulfed in World War III without full awareness.
In response, the U.S. has strengthened its military presence in the Middle East, deploying two aircraft carrier strike groups—the USS Nimitz and USS Carl Vinson—as precautionary measures, reports The National Interest.
Despite Trump’s past promises to end “forever wars,” he now faces a global environment marked by renewed conflict and instability. Should hostilities escalate into full-scale war, the U.S. might be compelled to reinstate the military draft, which has been inactive since 1973.
The Draft: Who Would Be Called?
The Selective Service System, established in 1917, serves as the legal framework for conscription. During the Vietnam War, nearly 1.9 million men were drafted through this system.
Currently, all male U.S. citizens between the ages of 18 and 25 must register with the Selective Service. This requirement extends to undocumented immigrants, refugees, and green card holders. Failure to register can lead to fines up to $250,000.
If a draft were reinstated, a lottery based on birth dates would determine the order of induction.
Typically, 20-year-olds are called first, though this age range can be adjusted. Each draftee must pass physical and psychological exams, with those deemed unfit receiving exemptions or deferrals.
While there has been discussion about including women in the draft, no laws have been enacted to implement such a change.
Who Could Be Exempt or Deferred?
Exemptions and deferments may apply to:
- Conscientious objectors
- Full-time students
- Primary caregivers and parents (hardship deferments)
- Essential workers in healthcare and critical infrastructure
- Clergy and certain elected officials
- Some dual nationals, under specific circumstances
Students can request postponements, and draftees may apply for reclassification, including conscientious objector status.
Additionally, individuals institutionalized before 18 and remaining so until age 26 may be exempt from registration.
A Look Back at the Draft’s History
The last U.S. draft ended on January 27, 1973, when Secretary of Defense Melvin Laird officially terminated it. The final draftee, Dwight Elliott Stone, a 24-year-old apprentice plumber from Sacramento, reported for duty on June 30, 1973.
Now, with global tensions mounting and military operations intensifying, anxiety over a potential draft resurgence is stirring.
The current international climate echoes the early days of past global conflicts—but with modern complexities.
As one social media user quipped, “If Trump were president during the start of World War III in the Middle East, maybe things would be different… or not.”
No official move to reinstate the draft has been made, and no current legislation in Congress proposes such action.
However, some former lawmakers have floated ideas like a “national service requirement,” and reports indicate some Republicans are giving serious consideration to these proposals.
In Conclusion
As geopolitical conflicts deepen and military actions increase, fears of a third world war have transitioned from speculation to pressing discussion. While the U.S. has not reinstated the draft, the Selective Service System remains active in the background, ready if called upon.
This tense environment has revived debates over national security, military preparedness, and the potential necessity of broader civilian involvement in defense.
Ultimately, these developments remind us of the fragile peace that holds and the importance of readiness in an unpredictable global landscape.