NOTE to Students: Read along as you watch Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s March 2 press conference.

1. What is the clear goal/objective of U.S. military mission (Operation Epic Fury) in Iran, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio?

2. a) How does Secretary Rubio explain the first reason for WHY we acted now?
b) How was this proved to be true?

3. What was the second reason for attacking Iran NOW?

4. What is the Iranian regime's ultimate goal for its missile buildup? Be specific.

5. Despite the fact that Iran had signed the UN's Nuclear Non-proliferation Agreement in which they agreed to not pursue the acquisition of nuclear weapons, the regime had a secret nuclear weapons program since the 1980's.

In 2025, from April to June, the U.S. held a series of negotiations with Iran aimed at reaching a nuclear peace agreement. Iran went back and forth, and then threatened to hit U.S. bases in the region.

In June 2025, the U.S. and Israel obliterated 3 of Iran's nuclear weapons sites, which were housed deep underground. The U.S. then engaged again in extensive negotiations with Iran to get them to give up the rest of their nuclear program.  The U.S. required that Iran:
-cease all uranium enrichment permanently
-dismantle its nuclear facilities
-hand over all its existing stockpiles of highly enriched uranium to the U.S. or a third country

U.S. negotiators offered Iran free nuclear fuel "forever" as part of the proposed deal.
Iran rejected the offer and refused all U.S. requirements. Iran was not negotiating in good faith and instead wanted to preserve its enrichment program as it sought to develop nuclear weapons

Explain why allowing Iran to continue in its quest for nuclear weapons is an unacceptable risk to the U.S. (as well as our allies and the Middle East).

6. Secretary Rubio concluded his remarks by saying of the mission in Iran, "it was the right decision and an important decision for the safety and security of the world.”
a) Do you agree? Explain your answer.
b) Ask a parent the same question.

7. What is your reaction to each of the videos under "Resources" below the questions?