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.

Other potential safe havens include Argentina, with vast agricultural capacity and low population density; Switzerland, with neutrality and extensive civil defense infrastructure; and Bhutan, with mountainous terrain and a history of neutrality. Chile, Fiji, and South Africa are also cited due to distance from major powers, strong infrastructure, and resource availability.

Experts note that safety is relative, and no nation would be entirely immune to the effects of a world war. Preparedness, geographic isolation, and political neutrality may mitigate risk, but fallout, economic disruption, and global instability could still reach even the safest countries.

Meanwhile, Iran experienced a 4.3 magnitude earthquake in Gerash on 3 March, coinciding with ongoing missile strikes. Though social media speculated a nuclear test, seismologists and the CTBTO confirm it was a natural tectonic event, part of the region’s active seismic zone.