The joint attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, sparking retaliatory strikes across the region and sending global shockwaves. Violence spread on Sunday (1 March), with the death toll climbing and fears of a wider war emerging.
The strikes, which began on Saturday (28 February), also raised concerns about economic disruption, with international reactions ranging from celebration to condemnation. Many observers began asking which countries might be safest if WW3 erupted.Experts say political neutrality, low militarisation, and geographic isolation are key markers of safety. According to the Institute for Economics & Peace, the most peaceful nations also have strong institutions and low conflict involvement, though even these countries would be affected in a global war, particularly one involving nuclear weapons.Antarctica is the most remote continent, with only research stations and no permanent population, making it unlikely to be directly involved in conflict. Iceland, ranked number one on the 2025 Global Peace Index, is noted for minimal militarisation, a small population, and long-term societal stability.

New Zealand is geographically distant from major power blocs and conflicts, with agricultural self-sufficiency and terrain that could provide resilience. Tuvalu, a tiny Pacific island, is isolated and has little strategic value, reducing the likelihood of being targeted