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

How did Carter plan to achieve his goals regarding the hostages?

Check all of the boxes that apply.

Convince Iran that the real danger was the Soviet Union, not the United States

Team up with Iraq to invade Iran

Get help from other countries to express disapproval of Iran’s actions

Send many troops in to free the hostages at any cost

Answer 1

- Convince Iran that the real danger was the Soviet Union, not the United States — Yes

- Get help from other countries to express disapproval of Iran’s actions — Yes

- Team up with Iraq to invade Iran — No

- Send many troops in to free the hostages at any cost — No

Explanation: Carter explicitly calls for persuading Iranian leaders about the Soviet threat and for enlisting other nations to condemn Iran; he also stresses preserving the hostages’ lives and avoiding bloodshed, so a large-force rescue “at any cost” or an invasion with Iraq is not part of his stated plan.