Tensions between the United States and Iran have increased in recent weeks, with both sides exchanging strong statements and increasing military activity in the region.

On Friday, Feb. 6, the United States and Iran held a meeting in Oman to discuss Iran’s nuclear program, and both sides agreed to keep talking.

Current World Issues teacher Marcus Merrifield talked about how it’s important to understand international issues.

“One of the most important reasons is to be informed and to understand the world we live in but the other reason is to understand why countries act a certain way,” Marcus Merrifield said.

Surveys show that a majority of people pay at least some attention to global news, with about 57% worldwide following international news and nearly 8 in 10 Americans expressing interest in U.S. relations with other countries.

“Don’t rush to judgment, these interactions are very complicated and have a long history, so for example the history between the U.S. and Iran go way back. So because there are so many layers to different countries and what their aims are and sometimes it takes a little longer to understand then to make a decision,” Merrifield said.

Also, students at LSHS don’t know a lot about the conflicts that are happening between the U.S and Iran.

“I don’t know all the details to it, but it worries me that this could lead to more conflict,” senior Hayden Kewley said.

Sophomore Marcus Hubacek added.

“I’m not too caught up with the situation but I think that it could lead to bigger problems as more talks happen,” said Hubacek.

Hubacek’s comment shows that even students who don’t follow the news closely recognize the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran could have serious consequences if diplomatic talks fail.

As the tensions between the U.S. and Iran continue, students and teachers stress the importance of staying informed. Understanding global conflicts and the reasons behind countries actions helps people make sense of complex situations and think critically about current events.