On Jan. 3, the U.S. sent a drone strike to Iran which resulted in the death of Iranian major general Qasem Soleimani. Soleimani’s death released the internet’s floodgates, causing a cascade of World War III memes to overflow the web. Teens across the country joke about changing their names in order to stay safe from the impending war’s draft. However, the likelihood of the occurrence of a World War III is a lot slimmer than some may think. 

Endless jokes and memes circulating the internet have led many to believe that the U.S. started World War III with the targeted killing of Soleimani, although Iran is hardly a force at all compared to the U.S. The U.S. population is four times larger than Iran’s and according to ABC News, “[Iran’s] economy is barely 2 percent as large. Its outdated weapons are no match for the most powerful military force the world has ever known.” Essentially, the article states that Iran would have to be stupid to challenge the unmatched power of the U.S. military. 

Soon after the death of Soleimani, Iran announced an attack on an American base in Iraq. Many Americans were troubled over this, as they should have been. A missile launch targeting a base full of American military personnel seems like a death wish considering the U.S. would most definitely retaliate. Nevertheless, there were no Americans killed and according to National Review, “Iran launched what appears to be a symbolic response to the killing of General Qasem Soleimani, and their state-run media told their public that they had killed 80 Americans.” 

Iran’s government wanted to keep its citizens on their side so they made it look like they got their revenge, when in reality, they knew if they made a legitimate attack on the U.S. they would be wiped out before breakfast the next morning. There was even some speculation that the Iranian government let U.S. and Iraqi forces know about the attack so they were able to stay safe. 

The U.S. did not start World War III when their military killed Soleimani and Iran did not even retaliate. The killing of Iran’s major general has been a win-win for the U.S. so far. Soleimani, a “terrorist” who had caused the death of many Americans is no longer a problem for the U.S. Plus, the U.S. does not have to worry about any further retaliation at the moment.