Did WWIII just start?

[Stryder50]

The fact that N. Korea has had nukes for some time, and the situation on that peninsula has not changed, is actually an argument as to why this war did not need to happen.

Just a reminder that the Korean War of 1950-1953 has never officially ended.
There was no Peace Treaty signed. Ostensibly because usually such document includes one of the two parties being tagged as instigator that promises not to do such again.

What exists is a "Cease Fire" which isn't that binding and means the war could restart at any time.
So far it appears there may be enough sane heads in North Korean leadership to urge caution, considering the consequence that might result if they used those "nukes".

Rational leadership in Iran's theocracy appears to be absent.

 

[Stryder50]

It is about opportunity and long term interests.

N Korea has nukes. That is the reminder as to why Iran must NOT obtain them.

Numerous members of the Manhattan project and Einstein himself all wished they had not unleashed the power of the atom bomb, they realized that they may have contributed to the end of human civilization at some point in the future.

Their fears are well founded. We have only avoided this outcome through dumb luck. The fewer states that have them the better, especially unstable ones.

Slight technicality here, Germany and the Soviet Union reportedly were also involved in an atomic bomb project of sorts as well back then. Albeit on a much slower track and maybe down the wrong road tech wise.

Thing is that state of science (and science fiction) back then was such that it was inevitable someone at sometime in that near future would develop a working atomic bomb. There was no putting that Genie back into the bottle.