American Public Opinion Polls: Opinion Toward Iran
(2001 - 2009)
Which TWO of the following would be the best approach toward Iran right now? Is it... (The Israel Project National Survey, January 10-12, 2009)
7/08 | 1/09 | |
Increased diplomatic pressure | 43% | 47% |
Direct negotiations with Iran | 42% | 43% |
Increased economic sanctions | 35% | 39% |
Establish normalized relations with Iran | 25% | 24% |
Easing economic and diplomatic sanctions | 23% | 21% |
None of the Above | 2% | 5% |
Which statement comes closer to your own opinion...With all the problems that America is facing at home now, we should reduce our efforts to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons...or...Even with all the problems that America faces at home now, we must still work hard to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons.... (The Israel Project National Survey, January 10-12, 2009)
11/08 | 1/09 | |
Reduce efforts | 23% | 18% |
Work hard to stop Iran | 72% | 79% |
Do you favor or oppose expanding UN economic and diplomatic sanctions on Iran? (The Israel Project National Survey, March 18-20, 2008)
December 2007 | March 2008 | |
Strongly favor | 46% | 40% |
Somewhat favor | 30% | 30% |
Somewhat oppose | 13% | 13% |
Strongly oppose | 8% | 12% |
Don't know/Refused to answer | 3% | 5% |
Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Now is the time to toughen the sanctions to compel Iran to stop developing nuclear weapons. (The Israel Project National Survey, March 18-20, 2008)
Strongly agree | 61% |
Somewhat agree | 18% |
Somewhat disagree | 7% |
Strongly disagree | 11% |
Don't know/Refused to answer | 2% |
Assuming that Iran is successful at developing a nuclear bomb, do you believe...(The Israel Project National Survey, March 18-20, 2008)
America will be less safe than it is now from terrorism | 65% |
There will be no change | 34% |
Don't know/Refused to answer | 1% |
How much of a chance do you think there is that diplomacy and sanctions by the United States government can stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons? (The Israel Project National Survey, March 18-20, 2008)
Good chance | 20% |
Some chance | 34% |
Little chance | 22% |
Hardly any chance | 22% |
Don't know/Refused to answer | 2% |
How much of a chance do you think there is that diplomacy and sanctions by the United Nations and European Union can stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons? (The Israel Project National Survey, March 18-20, 2008)
Good chance | 16% |
Some chance | 31% |
Little chance | 24% |
Hardly any chance | 28% |
Don't know/Refused to answer | 1% |
Do you believe Iran represents a serious and immediate threat to the United States, a serious but not an immediate threat to the United States, or not a serious threat to the United States? (The Israel Project National Survey, December 10-12, 2007)
Serious/immediate | 44% |
Serious/not immediate | 41% |
Not serious | 14% |
Don't know/Refuse to answer | 1% |
As you may know, the sixteen United States intelligence agencies recently concluded in a new National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) that Iran stopped work on its nuclear weapons program four years ago in 2003. Do you believe the U.S. intelligence assessment that Iran has ended work on its nuclear weapons program in 2003 or do you think the Iranian nuclear weapons program is still underway? (The Israel Project National Survey, December 10-12, 2007)
Strongly believe weapons program ended | 16% |
Not-so-strongly believe weapons program ended | 11% |
Not-so-strongly believe weapons program continues | 18% |
Strongly believe weapons program continues | 51% |
Don't know | 4% |
As you may know, British intelligence disagrees with the U.S. assessment and believes that Iran is secretly developing nuclear weapons. Which assessment do you believe – the U.S. assessment that Iran has stopped work on its nuclear weapons program or the British assessment that its nuclear weapons program continues? (The Israel Project National Survey, December 10-12, 2007)
Very much believe U.S. intelligence | 12% |
Somewhat believe U.S. intelligence | 14% |
Somewhat believe British intelligence | 23% |
Very much believe British intelligence | 44% |
Don't know/Refuse to answer | 7% |
Some say the National Intelligence Estimate on Iran means we are more safe because it shows the Iran threat from Iran is not as imminent as had been believed. Others say the estimate will make us less safe because it might lead to reduced pressure on Iran to stop its nuclear weapons capacity for good. Do you think the new estimate means we are more safe or that we will be less safe? (The Israel Project National Survey, December 10-12, 2007)
Strongly believe we are more safe | 16% |
Not-so-strongly believe we are more safe | 11% |
Not-so-strongly believe we are less safe | 22% |
Strongly believe we are less safe | 42% |
Don't know/Refuse to answer | 8% |
Is Iran an threat to the security of the Middle East? (ADL, October 2007)
An immediate threat | 26% |
A threat in near future | 24% |
A potential threat down road | 30% |
No threat at all | 7% |
Do you believe Iran is developing nuclear weapons? (ADL, October 2007)
Agree | 71% |
Disagree | 15% |
Do you think America should take military action to stop Iran from developing or trying to develop a nuclear weapons program? (ADL, October 2007)
2005 | 2007 | |
Yes | 53% | 42% |
No | 47% | 46% |
Do you think Israel should take military action to stop Iran from developing or trying to develop a nuclear weapons program? (ADL, October 2007)
2005 | 2007 | |
Yes | 49% | 47% |
No | 36% | 39% |
Would you support a U.S. military strike to prevent Iran from going nuclear? (Zogby International, October 29, 2007)
Yes | 52% |
Is such a strike likely before next year's presidential election? (Zogby International, October 29, 2007)
Yes | 53% |
(Of Jews polled) How supportive are you of a U.S. military strike on Iran? (Zogby International, October 29, 2007)
Very supportive | 48% |
Somewhat supportive | 20% |
Below is a list of threats. Please state whether you believe these threats are increasing, decreasing or staying the same. (Foreign Policy Magazine and The Center for American Progress, May 23-June 26, 2007)
Nuclear Iran
Increasing | 89% |
Staying the same | 11% |
Which comes closer to your opinion? (Foreign Policy Magazine and The Center for American Progress, May 23-June 26, 2007)
Iran is a threat that can be contained with diplomacy now | 68% |
Iran is not a threat to the United States at this time | 17% |
Iran is a threat to the United States that requires military action now | 10% |
Unsure | 5% |
Do you believe Iran's nuclear research program to be primarily for military or civilian purposes? (Foreign Policy Magazine and The Center for American Progress, May 23-June 26, 2007)
Primarily military | 83% |
Primarily civilian | 17% |
What is the likelihood of the United States resorting to military force in Iran before the end of January 2009? (Foreign Policy Magazine and The Center for American Progress, May 23-June 26, 2007)
Likely | 35% |
Unlikely | 65% |
Next, I'd like your overall opinion of some foreign countries. First, is your overall opinion of [country] very favorable, mostly favorable, mostly unfavorable, or very unfavorable? (Gallup Poll: Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, N. Korea, China Viewed as World Hot Spots, February 21, 2007)
| % Very Favorable | % Mostly Favorable |
Egypt | 8 | 22 |
Iran | 1 | 8 |
Israel | 22 | 41 |
Jordan | 6 | 45 |
The Palestinian Authority | 2 | 14 |
Saudi Arabia | 4 | 31 |
Syria | 2 | 19 |
Do you believe that Israeli government officials sharing facts about Iran's nuclear program and ties to terrorism are an effort to educate the public about an important international issue, or biased and an effort to incite fear? (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)
Educate the public | 47% (29% strongly) |
Incite fear | 38% (24% strongly) |
Do you believe that American supporters of Israel sharing facts about Iran's nuclear program and ties to terrorism are an effort to educate the public about an important international issue, or biased and an effort to incite fear? (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)
Educate the public | 51% (34% strongly) |
Incite fear | 37% (21% strongly) |
Now, I'm going to read you some recent actions taken by Iran that have been reported in the media. Please tell me which TWO of the following worry you the most: (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)
First Choice | Second Choice | |
---|---|---|
An Iranian group has recruited more than 25,000 people to be suicide bombers in the US and Europe | 31% | 56% |
The Iranian President has said Israel should be wiped off the map and has denied that the Holocaust ever happened | 26% | 46% |
Iran has funded terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas | 19% | 44% |
Iranians have killed hundreds of Americans in past terrorist attacks and in Iraq today | 12% | 26% |
Iran has refused to allow international inspections of their nuclear program | 30% | 52% |
Iran is working to develop a nuclear program and has promised to share that technology with others | 22% | 41% |
Iran's nuclear developments have sparked an arms race and now many Arab countries also want to have nuclear materials | 18% | 40% |
Iran's nuclear program is further destabilizing an already unstable region | 17% | 38% |
Does Iran pose a direct threat to the existence of Israel? (POS, January 2007)
Yes | 64% (48% strongly) |
No | 24% (10% strongly) |
As you may know, Iran continues to NOT comply with UN security Council resolutions that demand Iran suspend its nuclear enrichment program and allow in UN inspectors. Now, assuming Iran continues its nuclear enrichment program despite the UN Security Council resolutions, please tell me whether you support or oppose the following actions:
I. Ban all international weapons sales to Iran:
Total support | 86% |
Total opposition | 12% |
Strong support | 73% |
Somewhat support | 13% |
Somewhat oppose | 5% |
Strongly oppose | 7% |
Don't know/ REF | 2% |
II. The international community placing and enforcing economic and diplomatic sanctions against Iran:
1/07 | 11/06 | 9/06 | 5/06 | |
Total support | 83% | 85% | 78% | 91% |
Total opposition | 14% | 10% | 17% | 9% |
Strong support | 57% | 61% | 54% | 70% |
Somewhat support | 26% | 24% | 24% | 21% |
Somewhat oppose | 8% | 6% | 10% | 6% |
Strongly oppose | 6% | 4% | 7% | 3% |
Don't know/REF | 4% | 5% | 5% | 1% |
III. Targeted military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities by NATO:
1/07 | 11/06 | 9/06 | 5/06 | |
Total support | 44% | 48% | 44% | 44% |
Total opposition | 51% | 46% | 47% | 52% |
Strong support | 26% | 26% | 24% | 21% |
Somewhat support | 17% | 22% | 19% | 23% |
Somewhat oppose | 22% | 20% | 18% | 17% |
Strongly oppose | 30% | 26% | 29% | 35% |
Don't know/REF | 5% | 6% | 10% | 4% |
IV. Targeted military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities by the United States and our allies:
1/07 | 11/06 | 9/06 | 5/06 | |
Total support | 43% | 34% | 40% | 28% |
Total opposition | 52% | 61% | 51% | 69% |
Strong support | 23% | 18% | 22% | 14% |
Somewhat support | 21% | 16% | 18% | 15% |
Somewhat oppose | 17% | 22% | 16% | 19% |
Strongly oppose | 35% | 39% | 35% | 50% |
Don't know/REF | 4% | 5% | 9% | 2% |
V. The international community placing and enforcing economic and diplomatic sanctions against Iran, even if it increases the cost of fuel in the United States by 20%:
Total support | 73% |
Total opposition | 23% |
Strong support | 45% |
Somewhat support | 28% |
Somewhat oppose | 9% |
Strongly oppose | 13% |
Don't know/REF | 5% |
VI. Expand intelligence gathering efforts within Iran so that the United States' decision-making process is better informed as o Iran's capability and its intentions:
Total support | 88% |
Total opposition | 9% |
Strong support | 66% |
Somewhat support | 22% |
Somewhat oppose | 4% |
Strongly oppose | 5% |
Don't know/REF | 3% |
VII. Step up the surveillance of shipments to Iran to monitor and prevent suspected weapons of mass destruction related material from reaching Iran:
Total support | 87% |
Total opposition | 10% |
Strong support | 69% |
Somewhat support | 18% |
Somewhat oppose | 5% |
Strongly oppose | 5% |
Don't know/REF | 3% |
How involved should the United States be in dealing with Iran? (POS, January 2007)
Very/somewhat involved | 72% |
Not very/not at all | 25% |
How involved should the United States be in dealing with Iran? (Public Opinion Strategies, January 18-21, 2007)
Initial | Informed | |
Very involved | 31% | 36% |
Somewhat involved | 41% | 43% |
Not very involved | 9% | 8% |
Not at all involved | 16% | 11% |
Don't know | 2% | 2% |
Refused | 1% |
Do you think that Iran’s resumption of research on nuclear fuel is to develop... (Public Opinion Strategies, January 18-21, 2007)
Nuclear Energy | 13% |
Nuclear Weapons | 68% |
Both | 7% |
Don't Know | 11% |
Still thinking about Iran... How worried are you that Iran might develop nuclear weapons? (Public Opinion Strategies, January 18-21, 2007)
Very worried | 35% |
Somewhat worried | 37% |
A little worried | 15% |
Not worried at all | 12% |
As you may know, Iran continues to NOT comply with UN Security Council resolutions that demand Iran suspend its nuclear enrichment program and allow in UN inspectors. Now, assuming Iran continues its nuclear enrichment program despite the UN Security Council resolutions, please tell me whether you support or oppose the following actions... The (FIRST/NEXT) one is... (Public Opinion Strategies, January 18-21, 2007)
Totally Support | Totally Oppose | Strongly Support | Somewhat Support | Strongly Oppose | Somewhat Oppose | Don't Know/Refused | |
Ban all international weapons sales to Iran. | 86% | 12% | 73% | 13% | 5% | 7% | 2% |
The international community placing and enforcing economic and diplomatic sanctions against Iran. | 83% | 14% | 57% | 26% | 8% | 6% | 4% |
The international community placing and enforcing economic and diplomatic sanctions against Iran, even if it increases the cost of fuel in the United States by 20%. | 73% | 23% | 45% | 28% | 9% | 13% | 5% |
Expand intelligence-gathering efforts within Iran so that the United States’ decision-making process is better-informed as to Iran’s capability and its intentions. | 88% | 9% | 66% | 22% | 4% | 5% | 3% |
Step up the surveillance of shipments to Iran to monitor and prevent suspected weapons of mass destruction related material from reaching Iran. | 87% | 10% | 69% | 18% | 5% | 5% | 3% |
Would you support an agreement allowing Iran to enrich uranium to the very low levels necessary to produce nuclear power but not the high levels to required to produce nuclear weapons? In return, Iran would be obligated to afford U.N. inspectors full access to ensure that these enrichment levels were not exceeeded. (World Public Opinion, January 24, 2007)
Agree | 55%* |
Disagree | 38% |
*This includes 53% of Republicans and 62% of Democrats.
Americans | Iranians | |
Can bombing and other types of attacks intentionally aimed at civilians be justified... | ||
often | ||
rarely | 27% | |
never | 46% | 80% |
Palestinian attacks against Israeli civilians are...justified | ||
sometimes | 53% | |
never | 80% | 41% |
Reject Israeli on against Palestinian civlians | 71% |
Please answer on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 meaning that you strongly disagree and 5 meaning that you strongly agree: A military confrontation between Iran and the United States is likely to occur within the next ten years.(World Public Opinion.org, December 11, 2006)
1 | 4% |
2 | 15% |
3 | 35% |
4 | 18% |
5 | 23% |
Refused/Don't know | 5% |
How likely do you think it is that the US will take military action against Iran’s nuclear facilities in the next year or two? (World Public Opinion.org, December 11, 2006)
Not at all likely | 9% |
Not very likely | 36% |
Somewhat likely | 36% |
Very likely | 13% |
Refused/Don't know | 7% |
Here is a list of possible benefits that the US and other countries could provide to Iran in exchange for agreeing to stop enriching uranium. Please say for each one whether you favor or oppose being willing to do each of the following as part of a package in exchange for Iran agreeing to stop enriching uranium. (World Public Opinion.org, December 11, 2006)
Favor | Oppose | Refused/Don't Know | |
---|---|---|---|
The US making an official commitment to not use military force against Iran | 38% | 51% | 11% |
Europe committing to ensure Iranian access to enriched uranium | 14% | 73% | 13% |
Allowing Iran to join the World Trade Organization | 54% | 34% | 12% |
Lifting US economic sanctions against Iran | 47% | 40% | 13% |
Unfreezing Iranian assets held by the US | 39% | 50% | 12% |
Providing spare parts for civilian aircraft | 52% | 38% | 10% |
Repealing US legislation calling for regime change in Iran | 44% | 43% | 13% |
Transfer of nuclear energy technology to Iran | 11% | 79% | 10% |
Do you think it is a good idea or not a good idea to make an agreement whereby Iran would be allowed to enrich uranium, provided that this is limited only to low levels and UN inspectors would have full access to make sure that enrichment remained at low levels? (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)
Good idea | 55% |
Not a good idea | 38% |
As you may know, Iran has been enriching uranium against the wishes of the US and the UN Security Council. Do you think the US: (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)
Should demand Iran first stop enriching uranium before entering into talks | 46% |
Should not impose preconditions on Iran before entering into talks | 50% |
As a general rule, if leaders of some countries grow more afraid that the US will use military force against them, do you think, on balance, this tends to increase or decrease the likelihood that countries will try to acquire weapons of mass destruction? (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)
Increase the likelihood | 80% |
Decrease the likelihood | 15% |
Some say that a campaign of repeated air strikes could fully destroy Iran’s nuclear program. Others say that even if air strikes took out some targets Iran would just rebuild its nuclear facilities in hidden underground shelters. Do you think that it is or is not possible to fully destroy Iran’s nuclear program through air strikes? (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)
Is possible | 37% |
Is not possible | 59% |
Do you think the US should deal with the government of Iran primarily by: (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)
Trying to build better relations | 75% |
Pressuring it with implied threats that the US may use military force against it | 22% |
Since the US has invaded and occupied Iraq, some people think that Iran is now more likely to make weapons of mass destruction to deter the US from attacking Iran. Others think that Iran is now less likely to make weapons of mass destruction because it is more afraid that the US will attack Iran if does make them. Do you think that since the US has invaded and occupied Iraq, Iran is now: (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)
4/03 | 11/06 | |
More likely to make weapons of mass destruction | 24% | 61% |
Less likely to make weapons of mass destruction | 68% | 30% |
Do you think that if the US demands that Iran stop enriching uranium and threatens to use air strikes against its enrichment facilities, Iran would or would not stop enriching uranium? (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)
Would | 16% |
Would not | 79% |
As you may know, the United States and most of the world’s countries have signed a treaty called the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty or NPT. According to this treaty, the countries that have nuclear weapons have agreed to actively work together toward eliminating their nuclear weapons. The countries that do not have nuclear weapons, including Iran, have agreed not to try to acquire them. Were you aware that the US has agreed to this? (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)
3/04 | 11/06 | |
Yes | 39% | 51% |
No | 59% | 46% |
Do you favor or oppose the idea of having a nuclear weapons free zone in the Middle East that would include both Islamic countries and Israel? (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)
Favor strongly | 41% |
Favor somewhat | 30% |
Oppose somewhat | 12% |
Oppose strongly | 9% |
No Answer | 9% |
If Iran were to develop nuclear weapons do you think this would: (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)
Increase its security because it would be able to threaten nuclear retaliation against an attacker | 23% |
Decrease its security because other countries in the region could feel threatened and might want to develop nuclear weapons too | 72% |
Currently there is a debate about whether the US government should announce that it has the goal of removing the existing government of another country that it sees as a problem, such as the government of Iran. Some people say that this is a good idea because it creates moral clarity and strengthens opposition to the government both inside and outside that country. Others say it is a bad idea because it violates the principle of national sovereignty and when countries feel threatened they are less cooperative and more likely to use dangerous means to protect themselves. Do you think announcing that the US has the goal of removing an existing government that it sees as a problem, is: (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)
A good idea | 21% |
A bad idea | 72% |
The US and other members of the UN Security Council are trying to get Iran to refrain from enriching uranium as part of its nuclear energy program, because this could lead to the ability to develop nuclear weapons. Some people have suggested that the US should be willing to commit to not attack Iran, on the condition that Iran commits to refrain from enriching uranium.Others say that the US should not be willing to commit to not attack Iran, because Iran does other things that are negative for US security interests, so the US should keep the option of threatening Iran with military strikes. Do you think the US should or should not be willing to commit to not attack Iran, on the condition that Iran commits to refrain from enriching uranium? (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)
Should be willing to make a commitment | 47% |
Should not be willing to make a commitment | 45% |
Support and opposition to specific measures on Iran (Zogby International, September 22-25, 2006)
Support | Oppose | |
---|---|---|
The use of U.S. ground troops | 26% | 70% |
A strike on Iranian facilities carried out by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) | 42% | 47% |
Which of the following positions about new countries developing nuclear fuel is closer to your own? (BBC World Service, May-July 2006)
| All countries should be free to produce nuclear fuel under United Nations oversight, because they have the right to have nuclear energy and should not have to depend on other countries | Because nuclear fuel can be developed for use in nuclear weapons, the United Nations should try to stop new countries from producing nuclear fuel but should provide them with the fuel they need | Neither / Depends | DK / NA |
Australia | 32 | 60 | 6 | 2 |
Brazil | 28 | 60 | 8 | 5 |
Canada | 31 | 59 | 6 | 3 |
Chile | 26 | 55 | 9 | 11 |
China | 44 | 42 | 8 | 5 |
Egypt | 49 | 39 | 6 | 5 |
France | 44 | 46 | 6 | 4 |
Germany | 28 | 63 | 6 | 2 |
India | 25 | 29 | 22 | 24 |
Indonesia | 46 | 45 | 3 | 5 |
Iraq | 42 | 51 | - | 3 |
Israel | 30 | 59 | 3 | 8 |
Italy | 29 | 57 | 12 | 2 |
Kenya | 35 | 51 | 5 | 9 |
Mexico | 33 | 60 | 8 | - |
Nigeria | 38 | 48 | 4 | 10 |
Philippines | 32 | 56 | 8 | 4 |
Poland | 32 | 49 | 6 | 14 |
S. Korea | 22 | 76 | 1 | 1 |
Russia | 26 | 46 | 14 | 13 |
Spain | 14 | 61 | 13 | 12 |
Turkey | 51 | 29 | 8 | 12 |
Ukraine | 26 | 50 | 11 | 13 |
UK | 36 | 55 | 6 | 3 |
USA | 29 | 56 | 7 | 7 |
Average | 33 | 52 | 7 | 7 |
Do you think that Iran is producing nuclear fuel strictly for its energy needs or do you think it is also trying to develop nuclear weapons? (BBC World Service, May-July 2006)
| Iran is producing nuclear strictly for energy needs | Iran is also trying to develop nuclear weapons | Neither / Depends | DK / NA |
Australia | 21 | 65 | 5 | 10 |
Brazil | 10 | 72 | 6 | 13 |
Canada | 10 | 68 | 5 | 16 |
Chile | 13 | 58 | 4 | 25 |
China | 18 | 58 | 11 | 13 |
Egypt | 38 | 54 | 4 | 4 |
France | 10 | 66 | 7 | 16 |
Germany | 15 | 65 | 10 | 9 |
India | 18 | 32 | 19 | 31 |
Indonesia | 35 | 47 | 6 | 11 |
Iraq | 38 | 60 |
| 1 |
Israel | 9 | 83 | 1 | 7 |
Italy | 10 | 74 | 4 | 13 |
Kenya | 13 | 63 | 5 | 20 |
Mexico | 20 | 41 | 4 | 35 |
Nigeria | 26 | 46 | 4 | 23 |
Philippines | 26 | 59 | 6 | 8 |
Poland | 7 | 67 | 3 | 23 |
South Korea | 11 | 76 | 2 | 11 |
Russia | 12 | 48 | 13 | 27 |
Spain | 11 | 58 | 8 | 23 |
Turkey | 15 | 59 | 10 | 17 |
Ukraine | 17 | 39 | 11 | 33 |
United Kingdom | 19 | 57 | 6 | 19 |
USA | 5 | 83 | 3 | 9 |
Average | 17 | 60 | 6 | 17 |
How concerned would you be if Iran were to develop nuclear weapons? Would you be…? (BBC World Service, May-July 2006)
| Very concerned | Somewhat concerned | Not very concerned | Not at all concerned | Depends | DK / NA |
Australia | 67 | 24 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 1 |
Brazil | 57 | 17 | 10 | 12 | 0 | 4 |
Canada | 63 | 24 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 1 |
Chile | 49 | 25 | 12 | 6 | 1 | 7 |
China | 23 | 45 | 22 | 7 | 1 | 1 |
Egypt | 37 | 37 | 17 | 7 | 1 | 1 |
France | 46 | 39 | 11 | 3 | 1 | 1 |
Germany | 57 | 27 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
India | 29 | 28 | 9 | 11 | 8 | 16 |
Indonesia | 16 | 37 | 31 | 9 | 3 | 4 |
Iraq | 25 | 40 | 20 | 14 |
| 0 |
Israel | 64 | 18 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 3 |
Italy | 65 | 25 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
Kenya | 48 | 21 | 11 | 12 | 1 | 6 |
Mexico | 34 | 21 | 15 | 8 | 5 | 17 |
Nigeria | 31 | 24 | 16 | 16 | 2 | 11 |
Philippines | 36 | 30 | 18 | 10 | 2 | 4 |
Poland | 53 | 27 | 10 | 3 | 2 | 7 |
South Korea | 30 | 52 | 14 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Russia | 25 | 33 | 21 | 7 | 4 | 10 |
Spain | 42 | 33 | 9 | 7 | 2 | 6 |
Turkey | 28 | 29 | 24 | 7 | 8 | 4 |
Ukraine | 21 | 36 | 16 | 7 | 8 | 12 |
United Kingdom | 67 | 23 | 5 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
USA | 72 | 20 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
Average | 43 | 29 | 13 | 7 | 2 | 5 |
The United Nations Security Council has asked Iran to not produce nuclear fuel. If Iran continues to produce nuclear fuel, which one of the following do you think the United Nations Security Council should do? (BBC World Service, May-July 2006)
| Not pressure Iran | Use only diplomatic efforts | Impose economic sanctions on Iran | Authorize a military strike against Iran’s nuclear facilities | Other / DK / NA |
Australia | 5 | 39 | 44 | 8 | 3 |
Brazil | 10 | 39 | 23 | 17 | 11 |
Canada | 6 | 35 | 39 | 13 | 7 |
Chile | 14 | 37 | 27 | 5 | 18 |
China | 8 | 49 | 28 | 7 | 8 |
Egypt | 28 | 45 | 14 | 9 | 3 |
France | 6 | 48 | 31 | 7 | 8 |
Germany | 8 | 40 | 42 | 4 | 5 |
India | 14 | 23 | 20 | 15 | 28 |
Indonesia | 22 | 50 | 18 | 5 | 5 |
Iraq | 10 | 27 | 29 | 34 | 0 |
Israel | 7 | 23 | 32 | 30 | 8 |
Italy | 3 | 52 | 31 | 8 | 6 |
Kenya | 10 | 44 | 25 | 11 | 9 |
Mexico | 8 | 33 | 28 | 18 | 12 |
Nigeria | 18 | 36 | 17 | 16 | 13 |
Philippines | 11 | 57 | 21 | 5 | 5 |
Poland | 4 | 30 | 41 | 7 | 18 |
S. Korea | 8 | 40 | 42 | 5 | 4 |
Russia | 10 | 38 | 30 | 3 | 20 |
Spain | 7 | 42 | 33 | 3 | 15 |
Turkey | 14 | 46 | 13 | 8 | 19 |
Ukraine | 9 | 27 | 35 | 4 | 24 |
UK | 8 | 45 | 33 | 10 | 4 |
USA | 4 | 24 | 45 | 21 | 7 |
Average | 10 | 39 | 30 | 11 | 10 |
I'd like your overall opinion of some foreign countries. First, is your overall opinion of [RANDOM ORDER] very favorable, mostly favorable, mostly unfavorable, or very unfavorable? How about Iran? (Gallup)
Very | Mostly | Mostly | Very | No | Total | Total | |
% | % | % | % | % | % | % | |
Avg All Polls | 2 | 9 | 40 | 42 | 7 | 11 | 82 |
2006 Feb 6-9 | 1 | 6 | 40 | 46 | 6 | 7 | 86 |
2004 Feb 9-12 | 3 | 14 | 46 | 31 | 6 | 17 | 77 |
2003 Feb 3-6 | 2 | 11 | 48 | 29 | 10 | 13 | 77 |
2002 Feb 4-6 | 2 | 9 | 46 | 38 | 5 | 11 | 84 |
2001 Feb 1-4 ^ | 2 | 10 | 45 | 38 | 5 | 12 | 83 |
1996 Mar 8-10 | 1 | 5 | 38 | 46 | 10 | 6 | 84 |
1991 Aug 8-11 | 1 | 12 | 44 | 35 | 9 | 13 | 79 |
1991 Mar 14-17 | 3 | 11 | 41 | 35 | 10 | 14 | 76 |
1991 Jan 30-Feb 2 | 2 | 11 | 39 | 40 | 8 | 13 | 79 |
1989 Aug 10-13 | 1 | 4 | 27 | 62 | 6 | 5 | 89 |
1989 Feb 28-Mar 2 | 1 | 4 | 27 | 62 | 6 | 5 | 89 |
What one country anywhere in the world do you consider to be America's greatest enemy today? (Gallup)
2/6-9/06 | 2/7-10/05 | 2/1-4/01 | |
% | % | % | |
Iran | 31 | 14 | 8 |
Iraq | 22 | 22 | 38 |
North Korea/Korea (non-specific) | 15 | 22 | 2 |
China | 10 | 10 | 14 |
Afghanistan | 3 | 3 | * |
United States itself | 1 | 2 | 1 |
Russia | 1 | 2 | 6 |
Saudi Arabia | 1 | 2 | 4 |
Syria | 1 | 2 | -- |
France | 1 | 2 | -- |
Cuba | * | * | 2 |
Japan | * | * | 1 |
The Palestinian Authority | * | * | 1 |
Libya | -- | * | 4 |
|
|
| |
None | 1 | 2 | 2 |
Other | 6 | 8 | 6 |
No opinion | 7 | 9 | 11 |
* Less than 0.5% |
What do you think the United States should do to get Iran to shut down its nuclear program -- [ROTATED: take military action against Iran now, use economic and diplomatic efforts but not take military action right now, or take no action against Iran at this time]? (Gallup, Feb. 9-12, 2006)
Take military action right now | 9% |
Use economic and diplomatic efforts | 68% |
Take no action at this time | 18% |
No Opinion | 5% |
Suppose the United States does take economic and diplomatic action, but those efforts do not work. If that happens, do you think the United States should -- or should not -- take military action against Iran? (Gallup, Feb. 9-12, 2006)
U.S. should take | 45% |
| 9% |
If diplomatic efforts fail | 36% |
U.S. should not take | 45% |
No Opinion | 10% |
How confident are you in the Bush administration's ability to handle the situation in Iran -- very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident, or not at all confident? (Gallup, Feb. 9-12, 2006)
Very confident | 17% |
Somewhat confident | 28% |
Not too confident | 27% |
Not at all confident | 28% |
No Opinion | 1% |
How confident are you in the United Nations' ability to handle the situation in Iran -- very confident, somewhat confident, not too confident, or not at all confident? (Gallup, Feb. 9-12, 2006)
Very confident | 8% |
Somewhat confident | 39% |
Not too confident | 27% |
Not at all confident | 24% |
No Opinion | 2% |
How concerned are you that the U.S. will be too quick to use military force in an attempt to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons -- very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned, or not concerned at all? (Gallup, Feb. 9-12, 2006)
Very concerned | 34% |
Somewhat concerned | 35% |
Not too concerned | 20% |
Not at all concerned | 10% |
No Opinion | 1% |
How concerned are you that the U.S. will not do enough to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons -- very concerned, somewhat concerned, not too concerned, or not concerned at all? (Gallup, Feb. 9-12, 2006)
Very concerned | 26% |
Somewhat concerned | 41% |
Not too concerned | 24% |
Not at all concerned | 6% |
No Opinion | 2% |
Suppose Iran DOES develop nuclear weapons. Just your best guess, how likely is it that -- very likely, somewhat likely, not too likely, or not at all likely? (Gallup, Feb. 9-12, 2006)
| Very Likely | Somewhat Likely | Not too Likely | Not at all likely | No Opinion |
Iran would provide a nuclear weapon to terrorists who would use it against the United States | 50% | 30% | 12% | 6% | 2% |
Iran would provide a nuclear weapon to terrorists who would use it against Israel | 49% | 32% | 12% | 4% | 4%`` |
The Iranian government would use nuclear weapons against Israel
| 41% | 36% | 15% | 4% | 4% |
The Iranian government would use nuclear weapons against the United States | 30% | 29% | 26% | 12% | 2% |
I'd like to get your feelings about some countries and governing organizations who have been in the news and what sort of a relationship you feel they have with the United States. I'll read the name of a country or governing organization and I'd like you to rate how much of a friend or foe they are to the U.S. using the feeling thermometer. You can choose any number between 0 and 100. The higher the number, the warmer or more friendly you feel they are to the U.S. The lower the number, the colder or less friendly they are. If we come to a country or governing organization who you haven't heard enough about to form an opinion, you don't need to rate them. Just tell me and we'll move on to the next one. How friendly or unfriendly do you think -- is to the U.S.? (Quinnipiac University)
Date | August 28, 2006 | June 12 , 2006 | March 13, 2006 |
Canada | 71.7 | 71.4 | 70.9 |
China | 39.0 | 41.6 | 41.5 |
Cuba | 24.0 | 24.4 | 27.2 |
England | 78.3 | 76.0 | 76.4 |
France | 43.2 | 44.5 | 45.0 |
India | 53.4 | 54.8 | 52.1 |
Iran | 13.9 | 16.9 | 26.7 |
Iraq | 27.7 | 29.3 | 27.1 |
Israel | 65.9 | 62.9 | 61.8 |
Mexico | 51.4 | 50.1 | 54.9 |
North Korea | 15.0 | 18.4 | 19.7 |
Palestinian Govt | 22.8 | 25.0 | 24.6 |
Russia | 45.5 | 44.3 | 47.1 |
Saudi Arabia | 28.2 | 39.5 | 38.2 |
Syria | 21.7 | NA | NA |
United Nations | 49.2 | 50.1 | 50.6 |
Venezuela | 35.9 | 36.9 | NA |
Which comes closest to your view -- Iran poses an immediate threat to the United States, Iran poses a long-term threat to the U.S., but not an immediate threat, or Iran does not pose a threat to the United States at all? (Gallup)
5/30-6/1/03 | 7/30-8/1/04 | 11/19-21/04 | 1/20-22/06 | |
Immediate threat | 13% | 15% | 16% | 19% |
Long-term threat | 64% | 65% | 65% | 65% |
Does not pose a threat | 20% | 15% | 14% | 12% |
No Opinion | 3% | 5% | 5% | 5% |
For each of the following countries, tell me if in your opinion it presents a threat to peace in the world (except for the Israel question which was asked to the entire sample [1,200], the question was asked to 600). (Source: ADL, December, 2003)
North Korea | 77% |
Iran | 76% |
Iraq | 76% |
Afghanistan | 65% |
Saudi Arabia | 62% |
Syria | 61% |
China | 54% |
Libya | 52% |
Pakistan | 57% |
Israel | 43% |
USA | 37% |
India | 29% |
Russia | 28% |
Somalia | 25% |
France | 22% |
Do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of: (ADL)
2003 | 2005 | 2007 | ||||
Favorable | Unfavorable | Favorable | Unfavorable | Favorable | Unfavorable | |
Tony Blair | 66% | 12% | ||||
Great Britain | 73% | 8% | 75% | 10% | ||
Israel | 49% | 28% | 60% | 19% | 69% | 14% |
V. Putin | 32% | 32% | ||||
Russia | 42% | 22% | 36% | 41% | ||
Egypt | 33% | 21% | 40% | 19% | 46% | 24% |
Jordan | 31% | 22% | 34% | 19% | 43% | 22% |
Jacques Chirac | 22% | 40% | ||||
France | 31% | 48% | 52% | 27% | ||
Saudi Royals | 12% | 50% | ||||
Saudi Arabia | 21% | 54% | 32% | 47% | ||
Iran | 11% | 67% | 14% | 64% | 10% | 72% |
Palestinian Authority | 11% | 58% | 20% | 46% | ||
Syria | 9% | 46% | 11% | 46% | 17% | 51% |
Do you associate these statements with the United States and other Western nations? (USA Today/CNN/Gallup poll, March 1-3, 2002, for U.S. data and 2002 Gallup Poll of the Islamic World for Islamic country data)
Take fair position in Palestine/Israel conflict | Respect Islamic views | |
USA | 56% | 64% |
Iran | 7% | 9% |
Jordan | ||
Kuwait | ||
Lebanon | ||
Pakistan | ||
Saudi Arabia | ||
Turkey |
Is your overall opinion of ___ very favorable, mostly favorable, mostly unfavorable, or very unfavorable? (Gallup, Feb. 2001)
Total Favorable | Total Unfavorable | |
Canada | 90% | 7% |
Australia | 85% | 8% |
Great Britain | 85% | 9% |
Italy | 78% | 12% |
France | 77% | 17% |
Germany | 75% | 16% |
Japan | 73% | 21% |
Brazil | 69% | 17% |
Mexico | 67% | 26% |
Egypt | 65% | 23% |
Israel | 63% | 32% |
The Philippines | 63% | 25% |
Taiwan | 63% | 22% |
India | 58% | 30% |
South Africa | 57% | 33% |
Russia | 52% | 42% |
Saudi Arabia | 47% | 46% |
Vietnam | 46% | 44% |
China | 45% | 48% |
North Korea | 31% | 59% |
Colombia | 30% | 59% |
Cuba | 27% | 68% |
The Palestine Authority | 22% | 63% |
Iran | 12% | 83% |
Libya | 11% | 75% |
Iraq | 9% | 85% |
Do you SUPPORT or OPPOSE Iran's development of nuclear weapons? (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2006)
| Percent responding |
Support | 2% |
Strongly Oppose | 88% |
Oppose | 6% |
Thinking still about the Middle East, would you say you are WORRIED or NOT WORRIED that Iran might develop nuclear weapons? (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2006)
| Percent responding |
Very Worried | 42% |
Somewhat Worried | 36% |
Not Worried | 20% |
Do you agree or disagree with the President of Iran's comments on this topic [that Israel should be wiped off the map and that the Holocaust was a myth]? (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2006)
| Percent responding |
Strongly Agree | |
Somewhat Agree | 2% |
Strongly Disagree | 85% |
Somewhat Disagree | 5% |
Which one of the following actions do you believe the US should take to make sure that Iran does NOT develop nuclear weapons? (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2006)
| Percent responding |
Encourage our allies to put pressure on Iran to drop its nuclear development plans | 37% |
Encourage the United Nations to put economic sanctions on Iran | 34% |
Support opposition groups in Iran to change the nation's leadership | 12% |
Initiate a limited military action against Iran to destroy their ability to make nuclear weapons | 10% |
And, if Iran continues with its nuclear research and is on the brink of developing a nuclear weapon, do you believe the US should initiate a limited military action to destroy Iran's ability to make nuclear weapons? (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2006)
| Percent responding |
Strongly Yes - US should initiate military action | 35% |
Yes | 11% |
Strongly No - US should not initiate military action | 34% |
No | 11% |
And, if Iran continues with its nuclear research and is on the brink of developing a nuclear weapon, do you believe the US should join a coalition of other countries to initiate a limited military action to destroy Iran's ability to make nuclear weapons? (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2006)
| Percent responding |
Strongly Yes - US should join military coalition | 40% |
Yes | 16% |
Strongly No - US should not join coalition | 22% |
No | 12% |
(Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, The Israel Project, December 2007)
Serious | Not serious | |||
How serious a threat do you think Iran poses to Israel? | 83% | 16% | ||
Democrats too weak strongly | Democrats too weak somewhat | Bush too ready strongly | Bush too ready somewhat | |
Which worries you more -- that the Democrats are too weak when it comes to Iran or that George Bush is too ready to go to war with Iran? | 32% | 6% | 53% | 3% |
Now I'd like to read you a short list of countries and organizations. Please tell me whether you believe each represents a serious and immediate threat to the United States, a serious but not immediate threat to the United States, or not a serious threat to the United States (Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, The Israel Project, December 2007)
Serious/immediate threat | |
Al-Qaeda | 75% |
Islamic fundamentalists | 61% |
Iran | 44% |
Hamas | 35% |
North Korea | 30% |
China | 18% |
Pakistan | 18% |
Venezuela | 10% |
Russia | 9% |
Which of the following would be the best approach toward Iran now? (Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, The Israel Project, December 2007)
Serious/immediate threat | |
Direct negotiations with Iran | 49% |
Increased economic sanctions | 46% |
Increased diplomatic pressure | 46% |
Establish normalized relations with Iran | 26% |
Easing economic and diplomatic sanctions | 17% |
U.S. military action | 5% |
Multinational military action | 5% |
As you may know, Iran continues NOT to comply with the UN Security Council resolutions that demand Iran suspend its nuclear enrichment program and allow in UN inspectors. Now, assuming Iran continues its nuclear enrichment program despite UN Security Council resolutions, please tell me whether you support or oppose the following actions...Targeted military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities by the United States and our allies. (Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, The Israel Project, December 2007)
May 2006 | August 2006 | November 2006 | February 2007 | National Intelligence Estimate Release | November 2007 | |
Total support | 28% | 40% | 34% | 43% | 36% | 34% |
Total oppose | 69% | 51% | 61% | 52% | 58% | 63% |
How involved should the United States be in dealing with Iran? Should we be very involved, somewhat involved, not very involved or not at all involved? (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)
| Percent responding |
Very involved | 31% |
Somewhat involved | 41% |
Not very involved | 9% |
Not at All involved | 16% |
Do you think that Iran's resumption of research on nuclear fuel is to develop...Nuclear energy...or...nuclear weapons? (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)
| Percent responding |
Nuclear energy | 13% |
Nuclear weapons | 68% |
Still thinking about Iran...How worried are you that Iran might develop nuclear weapons? (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)
| Percent responding |
Very worried | 35% |
Somewhat worried | 37% |
A little worried | 27% |
Not at All worried | 12% |
Now, I'm going to read you some recent actions taken by Iran that have been reported in the media. Please tell me which TWO of the following worry you the most...(The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)
| First Choice | Second Choice |
An Iranian group has recruited more than 25,000 people to be suicide bombers against the US and Europe | 31% | 56% |
The Iranian President has said Israel should be wiped off the map and has denied that the Holocaust ever happened | 26% | 46% |
Iran has funded terrorist groups like Hezbollah and Hamas | 19% | 44% |
Iranians have killed hundreds of Americans in past terrorist attacks and in Iraq today | 12% | 26% |
Iran has refused to allow international inspections of their nuclear program | 30% | 52% |
Iran is working to develop a nuclear program and has promised to share that technology with others | 22% | 41% |
Iran's nuclear developments have sparked an arms race and now many Arab countries also want to have nuclear arms | 18% | 40% |
Iran's nuclear program is further destabilizing an already unstable region | 17% | 37% |
And, how involved should the United States be in dealing with Iran? Should we be very involved, somewhat involved, not very involved or not at all involved? (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)
| Percent responding initially | Percent responding after learning about some of Iran's recent actions |
Very involved | 31% | 36% |
Somewhat involved | 41% | 43% |
Not very involved | 9% | 8% |
Not at All involved | 16% | 11% |
As you may know, Iran continues NOT to comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions that demand Iran suspend its nuclear enrichment program and allow in UN inspectors. Now, assuming Iran continues it nuclear enrichment program despite the UN Security Council resolutions, please tell me whether you support or oppose the following actions... (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)
| Strongly support | Support | Strongly Oppose | Oppose |
Ban all international weapons sales to Iran | 73% | 13% | 7% | 5% |
The international community placing and enforcing economic and diplomatic sanctions against Iran | 57% | 6% | 6% | 8% |
The international community placing and enforcing economic and diplomatic sanctions against Iran, even if it increases the cost of fuel in the United States by 20% | 45% | 28% | 13% | 10% |
Expand intelligence-gathering efforts within Iran so that the United States' decision-making process is better-informed as to Iran's capability and its intentions | 66% | 22% | 5% | 4% |
Step up the surveillance of shipments to Iran to monitor and prevent suspected weapons of mass destruction-related material from reaching Iran | 69% | 18% | 5% | 10% |
(The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)
| May 2006 | September 2006 | November 2006 | January 2007 | ||||
Targeted military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities by NATO | Support | Oppose | Support | Oppose | Support | Oppose | Support | Oppose |
44% | 52% | 44% | 47% | 48% | 46% | 44% | 51% | |
Targeted military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities by the United States and our allies | 28% | 69% | 40% | 51% | 34% | 61% | 43% | 52% |
Please tell me which statement comes closer to your own view...
1. Iran poses a direct threat to the existence of Israel
2. While Iran is dangerous, it does not represent a threat to Israel's existence
(The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)
| Percent responding |
1 Strongly | 48% |
1 | 26% |
2 Strongly | 10% |
2 | 14% |
And, do you believe that American supporters of Israel sharing facts about Iran's nuclear program and ties to terrorism are...
1. An effort to educate the public about an important international issue
2. Biased and an effort to incite fear
(The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)
| Percent responding |
1 Strongly | 34% |
1 | 17% |
2 Strongly | 21% |
2 | 16% |
And, do you believe that Israeli government officials sharing facts about Iran's nuclear program and ties to terrorism are...
1. An effort to educate the public about an important international issue
2. Biased and an effort to incite fear
(The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)
| Percent responding |
1 Strongly | 29% |
1 | 18% |
2 Strongly | 24% |
2 | 16% |
Now, I'm going to read you some recent actions taken by Iran that have been reported in the media. Please tell me which TWO of the following worry you the most...
(The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)
| Agree | Disagree |
While nobody will say it out loud, there is much evidence that Jews control America's foreign policy | 16% | 77% |
While nobody will say it out loud, there is much evidence that American Jews control America's foreign policy | 18% | 73% |
While nobody will say it out loud, there is much evidence that American Jews control the world's financial and communications institutions | 19% | 71% |
While nobody will say it out loud, there is much evidence that Jews control the world's financial and communications institutions | 20% | 71% |