Pentagon Chief: Military Force Against Iran Not Ruled Out
Listen to the story
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the administration is not ruling out using military force against Iran.
Hegseth made the comment during a visit to Offutt Air Force Base, a US Air Force facility.
The visit is part of a tour called 'Arsenal of Freedom.' An arsenal is a large collection of weapons or military equipment.
Hegseth's comments suggest that military action against Iran remains a possible option for the US government.
Tensions between the United States and Iran have existed for a long time over several issues.
The Defense Secretary did not announce any immediate plans for an attack. He only said the option has not been removed.
Offutt Air Force Base is located in the United States and is used by the US Air Force for various operations.
The 'Arsenal of Freedom' tour appears to involve Hegseth visiting different military bases across the country.
No further details about specific military plans or actions against Iran were given in the report.
Vocabulary8 words
- Defense Secretary
- the top government official in charge of the military
- military force
- the use of soldiers, weapons, or armed action
- Air Force
- the branch of the military that operates aircraft
- arsenal
- a large supply of weapons or military equipment
- administration
- the current group of government leaders
- tensions
- a state of unfriendly feelings between groups
- base
- a place where military people and equipment are kept
- option
- a choice that is available
Quiz
Answer key
1. It is not ruled out 2. Offutt Air Force Base 3. False
Fill-in-the-blank listening
Play the audio again and fill in the missing words as you listen.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has said the administration is not ruling out using _____ against Iran.
Hegseth made the comment during a visit to Offutt Air Force _____.
The visit is part of a tour called '_____ of Freedom.'
An arsenal is a large collection of _____ or military equipment.
Hegseth's comments suggest that military action against Iran remains a possible _____ for the US government.
_____ between the United States and Iran have existed for a long time.
The Defense Secretary did not announce any _____ plans for an attack.
Offutt Air Force Base is used by the US Air Force for various _____.
No further details about specific military plans or actions against Iran were given in the _____.
Discussion questions
- Why do you think countries sometimes say they will not rule out military force?
- What could be the effects of tension between the US and Iran on other countries?
- Do you think it is helpful for officials to talk publicly about possible military action? Why or why not?
- What questions would you ask Hegseth if you were a journalist at this event?
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