UPDATE:
As of Wednesday, a fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel remains in place. On Monday, Iran launched a missile attack on a U.S. base in Qatar. Check this feed for further updates.
NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this bell ringer activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
SUMMARY
The Middle East stands at a pivot point after the Trump administration launched airstrikes on three of Iran’s largest nuclear sites on June 21. In response, Iran said the time for diplomacy is over and hinted at military retaliation against the United States.
View the transcript of the story.
News alternative: Check out recent segments from the News Hour, and choose the story you’re most interested in watching. You can make a Google doc copy of discussion questions that work for any of the stories here.
WARM-UP QUESTIONS
- What was the name of this U.S. military operation against Iran?
- Where did the U.S. bombers launch from?
- Why did some planes fly east while others flew west?
- Which three locations in Iran did the U.S. military strike?
- How has Iran responded to U.S. military strikes in the past?
FOCUS QUESTIONS
- How does this news about the U.S. strike on Iran make you feel, and what questions does it raise for you?
- What else would you like to know about the history and relationship between Iran, Israel, and the United States? Where could you look to find this information?
Media literacy: Why do you think PBS News Hour chose to show clips of important figures, such as the U.S. Secretary of Defense and Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, speaking directly rather than just having a reporter summarize their views? Why might hearing from these figures firsthand be important for viewers?
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
Watch the video below to learn more about how Iran might respond to this move from the United States.
Research the history of diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran. Additionally, analyze how diplomacy has been used to resolve other conflicts worldwide, and reflect on the potential for achieving peace through dialogue.
Written by Brooke Ingemi, PBS News Hour Classroom's intern and senior at Amherst College, and News Hour's Vic Pasquantonio.
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