NOTE: If you are short on time, watch the video and complete this See, Think, Wonder activity: What did you notice? What did the story make you think about? What would you want to learn more about?
UPDATE: Since the lesson was published, the U.S. reported Kuwait mistakenly shot down 3 American jets and at least four American service members have been killed and four others seriously wounded. At least 153 Iranians have been killed at an all-girls elementary school in southern Iran, according to Iranian authorities.
SUMMARY
The U.S.-Israel attack on Iran was "not the limited strike that was considered by the president or his aides, nor was this even limited to Iran's nuclear or missile program," PBS News' Nick Schifrin says. It's "a war to overthrow the Iranian regime — and not quick," he added. President Donald Trump said Saturday the mission could take days or weeks. "There's no guarantee of success, and there's no knowing what will happen after that," Schifrin said.
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
- Who attacked Iran and when?
- Why was Iran attacked, according to this story?
- How has Iran responded?
- What have been some of the reactions of world leaders to the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran?
- Where did Iran strike in response to being attacked?
Credit: PBS News Hour screenshot showing targets in Iran hit by the U.S. and Israel
Credit: PBS News Hour screenshot showing targets throughout the Middle East hit by Iran in response to being attacked.
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS
- Do you think a strong case has been made for the U.S.'s attack on Iran? Explain.
- What do you think should happen now that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has been killed?
- "The lives of courageous American heroes may be lost, and we may have casualties. That often happens in war," Trump said in his speech following the attacks. Do you think the U.S. should have attacked Iran? If you are not sure how to answer this question, what further information might you need?
Media literacy: What do you know about the elementary school in Iran that was bombed based on this story?
The AP story Iran vows revenge after the killing of its supreme leader and trades strikes with Israel in widening war describes the celebrations taking place in Iran followed by news about the school. Who reported the bombing? How could you find out more? How do you feel reading these two paragraphs back to back? What might it tell you about war and war reporting?
"It was one of the best nights, if not the best night of our lives," the doctor said in a voice message from the city of Rasht in northern Iran. In fact, "It was actually my first time ever smoking a cigarette. It was a very very nice time. We didn't sleep at all. And we don't even feel tired."
In southern Iran, at least 115 people were reported killed when a girls' school was struck, and dozens more were wounded, the local governor told Iranian state TV. The Israeli military said it was not aware of any strikes in the area, and the U.S. military said it was looking into the reports."
WHAT STUDENTS CAN DO
A. Take a closer look at the War Powers Resolution before Congress based on the War Powers Act of 1973. What does the resolution say? What does the War Powers Act of 1973 state? What powers does it give Congress? How have U.S. presidents treated the War Powers Act in the past? For more information, read Members of Congress demand swift vote on war powers resolution after Trump orders Iran strike without congressional approval.
Credit: PBS News Hour screenshot of a graphic explaining Congress' War Powers Resolution.
B. Learn more about the attacks against Iran. Choose one of the following PBS News Hour or AP articles to read in class or at home with a family member. Then check out other news from a variety of outlets to see how they are reporting the attacks, including the New York Times, FOX, Drop Site News, Wall Street Journal, CNN, Haaretz, BBC and Breaking Points. What are some similarities and differences in the reporting?
Articles:
Fact-checking statements made by Trump to justify U.S. strikes on Iran
Live Updates: U.S. and Israel attack Iran
What to know about the U.S.-Israel attacks on Iran
Videos
WATCH: What happened in Tehran when the U.S. and Israel attacked (4 mins)
WATCH: War with Iran | PBS News Special Report (26 mins)
Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter with Daily News Lessons and community events.
To provide feedback on News Hour Classroom's resources, including this lesson, click here.
