On Jan. 3, 2020, the U.S. military ordered an airstrike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani. Ever since these events transpired, people have been speculating whether these actions could spark a war between the U.S. and Iran and, if so, whether or not there could be a draft.

A draft would send selected, non-enlisted, 18-25 year old males overseas to fight in the U.S. military. While male citizens in the U.S. must register with the Selective Service once they turn 18, the likelihood of a draft or a war is slight.

 “I think that our world leaders are smart enough and financially driven enough that they know that a draft would disrupt their business and financial gain, so no, I do not think that there will be a draft,” said social studies teacher Scott Moeller

Furthermore, the draft was abolished in 1973 after opposition to the Vietnam War occurred, and the army has been all-voluntary ever since. The draft can still be reinstated via the Selective Service Act and is only used when absolutely necessary, for example when there are too many vacancies in the military that cannot be filled by volunteers alone. 

“I think that in times of need, the draft is absolutely morally ethical. It’s important that everyone across the political and financial spectrum feel the same burden if there is a war,” said Moeller.

However, even given the current tension with Iran, there probably will not be a war or a draft. 

“This is literally one of many bombings that we have done over many years and the fourth time in Iran. Why would we start a war over this one?” said senior Garrett Sherman.

Iraq and Iran have had tension between them since with the two religious sects, the Shia and the Sunni. Because of this, Iraq does not wish to start a conflict with Iran on the basis that there is a Sunni minority living in Iran. The United States has been at odds with Iran since the 1970s when a new leader came to power.

“There’s a lot of proxy conflicts and regional flare-up, but I doubt it’s going to expand beyond that,” said Moeller.

While a war and draft is not likely, the assassination of Qassem Soleimani has sparked a rash of memes and videos with hastags like “WWIII.” 

“I mostly know about all of this stuff through memes and stuff like that, to be honest,” said sophomore Madeline O’Hara.

In addition, fake text messages have been going out to people telling them that they are being drafted. However, according to the United States army, these messages are fake and no one is being drafted.