1. Set Focus
Pose this essential question: What creates long-lasting conflict between two countries? Can a deep divide ever truly be bridged?
2. List Vocabulary
Share some of the challenging vocabulary words in the article (see below). Encourage students to use context to infer meanings as they read.
- diplomats (p. 16)
- colonial exploitation (p. 17)
- democratically elected (p. 17)
- coup d’état (p. 17)
- zealous (p. 18)
- theocracy (p. 18)
3. Engage
Have students share what they know about U.S.-Iranian relations today. If needed, point out that the U.S. and Iran have tense relations. Then ask students if they know why relations are tense today.