The war between the United States and Israel against Iran has put the world on edge.

Fears of a new world war have grown stronger — especially as Trump says that ”the big wave hasn’t even happened.”

But if disaster strikes, there are measures you can take to improve your likelihood of survival.

The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, by joint U.S.-Israeli strikes sent shockwaves around the world. With Iran responding by launching drones and missiles at countries with strong ties to the United States, fears of a broader conflict, or even a third world war, have intensified.

“We haven’t even started hitting them hard. The big wave hasn’t even happened. The big one is coming soon,” Trump told CNN earlier this week.

Several countries in the Middle East are now involved in the conflict between Iran, U.S and Israel. When you add the war involving Russia and Ukraine, Pakistan’s bombings of Afghanistan, and the heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, it’s not surprising that many people are feeling worried.

Aleksandr Dugin — often described as “Putin’s brain” due to his perceived ideological sway in Moscow — has escalated his rhetoric as Middle East tensions intensify, declaring that “World War 3 has already begun.”

He cautioned that continued military pressure on Iran could destabilize the situation further and trigger a dangerous global chain reaction.

Even outside the immediate danger zones, officials and experts are issuing guidance on how to prepare in case the unthinkable happens.

Governments in Europe and North America have reminded citizens to consider basic emergency preparedness measures, even if the likelihood of large-scale war remains uncertain.

Inside the “72-hour self-sufficiency” method
The European Union has long promoted readiness strategies for its member states

Last year, EU Crisis Management Commissioner Hadja Lahbib advised households to prepare for 72 hours of self-sufficiency. Her recommended emergency kit includes essentials such as:

Food and bottled water
Important documents stored in a waterproof case
Torches and backup batteries
Fire-starting tools
Cash
A Swiss army knife or multi-tool
Basic medications
Playing cards or small items for comfort and morale
“Ready for anything must become our new European way of life,” Lahbib said on social media, emphasizing the importance of planning ahead.

Lessons from Scandinavia
Countries like Sweden, Finland, and Norway have already distributed official pamphlets urging citizens to stockpile food, water, and locate safe shelters.

The Swedish government even issued a 32-page guide detailing steps to take in the event of a nuclear or conventional attack. Measures include sealing windows and doors with tape to block radioactive dust and filling bathtubs and sinks with water.

”During attacks in which nuclear, chemical or biological weapons are used, take
cover as you would during an air raid,” the guide states.

Dr. Arnab Basu, CEO of Kromek Group, told the Mirror that in the event of a nuclear strike, fleeing immediately is often less effective than finding shelter.

Another key point
“Survival depends less on fleeing and more on shielding yourself from fallout, limiting exposure, and relying on stored resources until radiation levels drop,” he explained.

Another key point emphasized by Swedish authorities is the importance of staying informed. In any crisis, you must be able to receive news and instructions from government officials.

A reliable way to do this is to have a radio at home that doesn’t rely solely on electricity. Ideally, it should be battery-powered, solar-powered, or equipped with a hand-crank mechanism so it can work even if the power goes out.

Advice from US survival experts
U.S.-based survivalists and preppers recommend additional precautions for anyone considering a “bunker-ready” kit capable of lasting much longer than 72 hours. Essentials include:

Fire-starting equipment
First-aid kits and medications
Warm clothing and insulation
Emergency shelters such as tents or tarps
Navigation tools (compass, maps)
Power sources
At least one gallon of water per person per day
These items may feel extreme, but survival experts emphasize that preparation is about increasing your odds, not panic-buying.

Whether it’s a natural disaster, cyberattack, or military conflict, experts advise the following nine essentials for every household:

Bottled water and portable water filters
Non-perishable food and energy bars
Flashlights and extra batteries
Fire-starting tools
First-aid kit
Warm clothing and emergency shelter materials
Multi-tool or survival knife
Communication devices like radios
Important ID documents and cash
While it’s unlikely you’ll ever face a global-scale conflict, assembling these items now can provide peace of mind and readiness for almost any crisis.

As one survival expert put it, “It’s not about expecting the worst, it’s about being ready if the worst happens.”