World War III: Could Americans be called up for war as Trump abruptly cancels campaign rallies amid Iran tensions?

The fears of World War III are escalating to unprecedented levels after US President Donald Trump and his Vice President JD Vance canceled all their scheduled campaign events over the weekend, reported The Express. Just at the last minute, President Trump has decided to scrap his weekend rallies in Iowa and Kansas while Vance has cancelled his "War on Fraud" press conference in Minnesota. While there has been little explanation around the reasoning for the cancellations, it comes on the same day news emerged about the escalation of the war in Iran.

In a worrying assessment, Senator Chris Murphy, who has now been hospitalised after a stroke, said the plans could “lead to devastating escalation and the likely destruction of our commitment to the rule of law”.

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“The plan that they have developed will lead, in my view, to a prolonged escalation of this war that will be devastating for our security interests,” he said. He also warned that the strategy could put US troops at risk if Iran retaliates.

Meanwhile, US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper briefed President Donald Trump on the state of the war on Thursday, according to two US officials. The briefing came days after UK households were urged to prepare for emergencies by keeping a three-day supply of essential items at home.

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US planning to recruit civilians?

At a time when anxieties mount over the possibility of World War 3, the UK, Japan and France have urged their populations to assemble three-day emergency survival kits in preparation. Although a third world war remains unlikely, civilians could face the possibility of being called up for military service if one breaks out. If not enough people volunteer, governments could introduce mandatory military service, similar to the draft used by the United States during the Vietnam War, according to a report in the Mirror.

The US draft lottery introduced in 1969 could offer an idea of who might be called up first today. The system was brought in after criticism that the earlier draft process unfairly affected certain groups of Americans.

Under the lottery system, officials drew capsules containing birth dates of men aged 18 to 26. It initially covered those born between 1944 and 1950. Those whose birthdays were drawn first were given the earliest call-up numbers and could be among the first summoned for military service.

There is currently no indication that the US plans to bring back the draft lottery. However, the possibility has drawn attention as President Donald Trump continues to consider military action against Iran. The US launched strikes against Iran on February 28, and reports suggest Trump is still weighing further action despite the upcoming midterm elections.

Foresight Strategic Advisor's Christopher Lee told The Mirror: "As a comparison, the Vietnam War saw only about 1.8 million men drafted, representing only about 7% of the total population. And that was over a nine-year period. But again, in a conflict which would largely be fought in Gulf waters and by air - either by carrier-based aircraft, land-based heavy bombers (B-1, B-2 etc.) - there is very little likelihood of a draft. The reason is simple: invading Iran with ground forces has the same practical military sense as would building a house on top of an active volcano."

UK's nuclear deterrent submarines of sea

In another unusual turn of events, three of the UK's four nuclear deterrent submarines are out at sea. A source told the Times that having so many out at sea at the same time is "unusual". It is believed the last time such an event happened was more than five years ago.

An update was recently issued that Brits aged up to 65 could be called up to fight. Earlier this year, the age bracket for men eligible for call-up to the Army Reserves was extended from 55 to 65. The UK Parliament website states: "During the spring of 1939, the deteriorating international situation forced the British Government under Neville Chamberlain to consider preparations for a possible war against Nazi Germany.

"Plans for limited conscription for single men aged between 20 and 22 were given parliamentary approval under the Military Training Act in May 1939. This required men to undertake six months' military training, and some 240,000 registered for service." However, once war was declared, the age range was broadened to men between 18 and 41. Even those aged between 52 and 60 were obliged to participate in "some form of military service."

Lord Dannatt, the former head of the British Army, told the Express: "I would expect to see the Army Reserve mobilised first, then Regular Reservists recalled to active service, and then His Majesty's Government would need to consider conscription, starting with 18-24-year-olds.

"Britain would not necessarily begin by compelling civilians with no military experience to join the armed forces. Reservists and former service personnel would provide an initial pool of people with military training, although recalling them at scale would present substantial logistical challenges."