Expert breaks down the 3 signs that global war has 'already started'

A historian has detailed the three signs that a global war has 'already started' amid the ongoing tensions in the Middle East and the Gulf.

Concerns regarding a potential third World War have never been higher due to a war in Europe, as well as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Just over a week ago, Donald Trump ordered US forces to join with Israel to launch an attack on Iran following concerns the regime have been building a nuclear weapon.

Tehran responded with retaliation attacks by firing missile and drone strikes in countries with a US military presence, including the likes of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Kuwait.

With all the uncertainty, Professor Anthony Glees has detailed in a recent interview with The Mirror the three signs that may suggest we are already in a global conflict.

Donald Trump's commitment to the war

With America being the juggernaut that it is, Professor Glees explained how long the US decide to be involved in the war is key to whether the conflict could head to a global scale.

How long the US are involved is key, according to the expert (The White House via X Account/Anadolu via Getty Images)

The expert explained: "In short, if Trump comes to his senses, he will quickly announce that he's had a victory and stop the fighting. He does have this power. But it is far more likely he's been ensnared by Netanyahu who has long believed in forever wars and the fighting will go on."

War of choice

Glees went on to describe the current war started as a result of Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strikes on Israel as a a 'war of choice'.

"Both world wars were wars of choice. So was the attack on Iran last Saturday," the professor explained.

He added: "There's no evidence at all that Iran was planning to attack the USA - it cannot reach the US homeland although US bases were well within the range of its missiles as we are seeing right now - no evidence it was planning to attack Israel, a nuclear power only too happy to fight back tooth and nail."

Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu pictured in December 2025 (Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

The mindset of world leaders

Some have claimed both Trump and Netanyahu are in violation of international law with their attack on Iran, and whatever your thoughts may be, Glees has explained why he believes the actions of both leaders in recent weeks are hardly encouraging.

"The mind that unleashes a war of choice against one enemy can unleash a war of choice against any enemy," he explained to The Mirror.