US and Iran Sign Historic Deal

All levels48 minIn the NewsLesson 1 of 12 · Free

Aims

The US and Iran have signed a major agreement covering nuclear weapons, sanctions, and the Strait of Hormuz.

The lesson, stage by stage

  1. News10 min

    In the news: The story

    Read a 150-word news story: A New Chapter: The US and Iran Strike a Deal

    The United States and Iran have signed a major agreement after months of conflict. The deal, known as a Memorandum of Understanding, covers 14 key points and was signed by both President Trump and Iranian President Pezeshkian. It sets a 60-day deadline to reach a final, permanent deal. One of the most important parts of the agreement concerns the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane in the Middle East. Iran has agreed to allow commercial ships to pass through freely. This is significant because the strait was closed during the conflict, causing global oil prices to spike sharply. The deal also addresses Iran's nuclear programme, with Tehran agreeing never to obtain a nuclear weapon. In return, the US has committed to lifting sanctions that have severely damaged the Iranian economy. A $300 billion fund for Iran's reconstruction is also planned, though the US is not required to contribute directly.

  2. Vocabulary8 min

    Vocabulary: Words in the news

    7 items

  3. Discussion10 min

    Discussion: First reactions

    2 discussion questions

    • When you first heard about this deal between the US and Iran, what was your reaction — were you surprised, hopeful, or sceptical?
    • Do you think a 60-day deadline is enough time to finalise such a complex deal? Why or why not?
  4. Discussion10 min

    Discussion: Personal connections

    2 discussion questions

    • Have you ever personally felt the effects of rising energy or fuel prices? What was that experience like?
    • If you were advising a government negotiating a major international deal, what would you say is the single most important thing to get right?
  5. Discussion10 min

    Discussion: The bigger picture

    2 discussion questions

    • Some people argue that lifting sanctions rewards bad behaviour by governments. Others say it's the only way to encourage change. Which view do you find more convincing?
    • Do you think agreements like this one can lead to lasting peace, or are they usually just temporary solutions? What makes the difference?

Target vocabulary

In a Tuton account these words become your student's vocabulary deck, so they come back in practice between lessons.

agreement
A formal decision made between two or more parties
Memorandum of Understanding
An official document outlining the intentions of two parties
sanctions
Official penalties placed on a country to pressure its government
nuclear programme
A country's activities related to developing nuclear technology or weapons
shipping lane
An established route used regularly by commercial ships at sea
spike
To rise suddenly and sharply in level or amount
reconstruction
The process of rebuilding something that was damaged or destroyed

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