Tuesday briefing: With the horror of conflict throughout the globe, how likely is world war three?

The article discusses growing global instability and the increasing number of conflicts worldwide, raising concerns about a potential World War III. A recent poll indicates that half of Britons believe a global war is likely within the next decade. While Donald Trump postponed military strikes on Iranian power plants, citing productive conversations, Iran disputes this account. The article also highlights ongoing Israeli military strikes on Tehran. The UK is considering support for household bills due to the energy price shock from the Iran conflict. Additionally, security agencies are investigating a possible Iranian link to an arson attack on ambulances in London. The article also touches on the climate crisis and a fatal plane crash in New York.

Since the start of the conflict with Iran three weeks ago, President Trump has made numerous contradictory statements regarding the war's duration and U.S. objectives. These statements, made between March 1st and March 23rd, range from anticipating a four-to-five-week conflict to declaring the war "very complete" and "won." While he expressed a desire to avoid a ceasefire, he also suggested continued bombing if talks fail. These shifting positions have emerged as Iran retaliated with strikes following attacks by the United States and Israel that began on February 28th. The conflicting statements were made to various news outlets, on social media, and during press conferences. The reason for the shifting positions is not stated in the article.