On Friday, the US assassinated top Iranian general Qassem Soleimani, who was widely viewed as the second most powerful figure in Iran. The move sparked concerns for a possible ‘World War 3’, with many worried a declaration of war between the US and Iran could be imminent.

While the US considered Soleimani a terrorist responsible for the deaths of many Americans, for many Iranians he was a national hero.

Hundreds of thousands of people attended his funeral on Monday, and at least 40 people were killed in a stampede during the procession, with others injured.

Since Friday’s airstrikes, Iranian general Esmail Ghaani has said Iran will be taking “actions” against the US as revenge for the death of Soleimani.

Ghaani told Iranian state television on Monday: “God the almighty has promised to get his revenge, and God is the main avenger. Certainly, actions will be taken.”

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Is World War 3 happening right now?

At the moment, there has been no declaration of war between the US and Iran.

In order for their to be a ‘world war’, other international powers would have to get involved with the conflict.

Russia has condemned the US attack on Iran, but it is not yet clear whether Russia would join Iran in the case of war breaking out with the US.

Russia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs labelled the decision as “fraught with grave consequences for the regional peace and stability” in a statement on Friday.

However is widely believed that China, as a world superpower, would opt to remain out of any conflict between the US and Iran.

US allies such as the UK, France and Germany seek a diplomatic response to the crisis, and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for “de-escalation from all sides”.

Mr Johnson said on Sunday: “Given the leading role he (Soleimani) has played in actions that have led to the deaths of thousands of innocent civilians and western personnel, we will not lament his death.

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“It is clear, however, that all calls for retaliation or reprisals will simply lead to more violence in the region and they are in no one’s interest.”

British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab has repeatedly called for a diplomatic solution to the crisis, and headed to Brussels today for talks with France and Germany.

Downing Street also issued calls today for UK troops to remain in Iraq in the wake of Friday’s airstrikes.

Mr Johnson, French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel said “the current cycle of violence” has to end.

In a statement, the three leaders said: “We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint and responsibility.

“The current cycle of violence in Iraq must be stopped.

“We specifically call on Iran to refrain from further violent action or proliferation, and urge Iran to reverse all measures inconsistent with the JCPOA (the Iran nuclear deal).

“We recall our attachment to the sovereignty and security of Iraq.

“Another crisis risks jeopardising years of efforts to stabilise Iraq.”

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