American Public Opinion Polls: Opinion Toward Iran

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)

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)

Do you favor or oppose expanding UN economic and diplomatic sanctions on Iran? (The Israel Project National Survey, March 18-20, 2008)

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)

Assuming that Iran is successful at developing a nuclear bomb, do you believe...(The Israel Project National Survey, March 18-20, 2008)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Is Iran an threat to the security of the Middle East? (ADL, October 2007)

Do you believe Iran is developing nuclear weapons? (ADL, October 2007)

Do you think America should take military action to stop Iran from developing or trying to develop a nuclear weapons program? (ADL, October 2007)

Do you think Israel should take military action to stop Iran from developing or trying to develop a nuclear weapons program? (ADL, October 2007)

Would you support a U.S. military strike to prevent Iran from going nuclear? (Zogby International, October 29, 2007)

Is such a strike likely before next year's presidential election? (Zogby International, October 29, 2007)

(Of Jews polled) How supportive are you of a U.S. military strike on Iran? (Zogby International, October 29, 2007)

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

Which comes closer to your opinion? (Foreign Policy Magazine and The Center for American Progress, May 23-June 26, 2007)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Does Iran pose a direct threat to the existence of Israel? (POS, January 2007)

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:

II. The international community placing and enforcing economic and diplomatic sanctions against Iran:

III. Targeted military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities by NATO:

IV. Targeted military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities by the United States and our allies:

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%:

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:

VII. Step up the surveillance of shipments to Iran to monitor and prevent suspected weapons of mass destruction related material from reaching Iran:

How involved should the United States be in dealing with Iran? (POS, January 2007)

How involved should the United States be in dealing with Iran? (Public Opinion Strategies, January 18-21, 2007)

Do you think that Iran’s resumption of research on nuclear fuel is to develop... (Public Opinion Strategies, January 18-21, 2007)

Still thinking about Iran... How worried are you that Iran might develop nuclear weapons? (Public Opinion Strategies, January 18-21, 2007)

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)

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)

*This includes 53% of Republicans and 62% of Democrats.

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Do you think the US should deal with the government of Iran primarily by: (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)

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)

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)

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)

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)

If Iran were to develop nuclear weapons do you think this would: (The Worldpublicopinion.org/knowledge Networks Poll, 11/21-29/06)

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)

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)

Support and opposition to specific measures on Iran (Zogby International, September 22-25, 2006)

Which of the following positions about new countries developing nuclear fuel is closer to your own? (BBC World Service, May-July 2006)

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)

How concerned would you be if Iran were to develop nuclear weapons? Would you be…? (BBC World Service, May-July 2006)

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)

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)

What one country anywhere in the world do you consider to be America's greatest enemy today? (Gallup)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

Do you have a favorable or unfavorable impression of: (ADL)

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)

Is your overall opinion of ___ very favorable, mostly favorable, mostly unfavorable, or very unfavorable? (Gallup, Feb. 2001)

Do you SUPPORT or OPPOSE Iran's development of nuclear weapons? (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2006)

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)

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)

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)

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)

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)

(Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, The Israel Project, December 2007)

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)

Which of the following would be the best approach toward Iran now? (Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, The Israel Project, December 2007)

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)

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)

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)

Still thinking about Iran...How worried are you that Iran might develop nuclear weapons? (The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)

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)

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)

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)

(The Israel Project National Survey, January 2007)

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)

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)

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)

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)