Question

We continue to pursue these specific goals [regarding Iran]: first, to protect the present and long-range interests of the United States; secondly, to preserve the lives of the American hostages and to secure, as quickly as possible, their safe release, if possible, to avoid bloodshed which might further endanger the lives of our fellow citizens; to enlist the help of other nations in condemning this act of violence, which is shocking and violates the moral and the legal standards of a civilized world; and also to convince and to persuade the Iranian leaders that the real danger to their nation lies in the north, in the Soviet Union and from the Soviet troops now in Afghanistan, and that the unwarranted Iranian quarrel with the United States hampers their response to this far greater danger to them.

–President Carter
State of the Union Address
1979

What were Carter’s goals regarding Iran and the hostages?

Check all of the boxes that apply.

To protect the interests of the United States

To preserve the lives of the hostages

To declare war on Iran

To enlist the Soviet Union’s help

Answer 1

- [x] To protect the interests of the United States
(Carter: “to protect the present and long-range interests of the United States”)

- [x] To preserve the lives of the hostages
(Carter: “to preserve the lives of the American hostages and to secure… their safe release”)

- [ ] To declare war on Iran
(Not stated; he sought condemnation and persuasion, not war.)

- [ ] To enlist the Soviet Union’s help
(Not stated; he wanted other nations’ help in condemning Iran and warned Iranians about the Soviet threat.)