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Arab/Muslim Public Opinion Polls: Opinion of Iran

Note: We are presenting raw data. When available, we provide some or all of the crosstabs (i.e., breakdowns by various categories such as party ID). To analyze the data, we encourage users to read the entire study and the methodology used. Results and reliability can be affected by such things as sample size, question wording, and question order. Responses may also be influenced by context and timing; for example, if the survey is conducted during a war. The wording of questions in Arabic may not be exact.


Since Iran is now getting so close to having a nuclear bomb, it’s time for an Arab country to get one too. [% agree] (Washington Institute, November 2022, April 2023 ). 

 

2022

2023
Bahrain

 

37%
Egypt

38%

40%
Jordan

 

38%
Kuwait

 

35%
Saudi Arabia 40% 43%
UAE 38% 39%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A major American or Israeli military strike against Iran would be too dangerous and a bad idea for our country. (Washington Institute, April 2023 ).

 

Agree

Disagree
Bahrain

82%

16%
Egypt

67%

30%
Jordan

65%

32%
Kuwait

77%

22%
Saudi Arabia 85% 14%
UAE 84% 15%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite our differences with Israel on other issues, some Arab states should cooperate with Israel against the threats we face from Iran. (Washington Institute, April 2023 ).

 

Agree

Disagree
Bahrain

6%

91%
Egypt

29%

68%
Jordan

29%

69%
Kuwait

7%

92%
Saudi Arabia 18% 80%
UAE 21% 76%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I’d like to know your opinion about Iran. (Washington Institute, April 2023 ).

 

Friend

Security Partner
Economic Partner Competitor Enemy
Bahrain

38%

19% 16% 11% 15%
Egypt

0%

0% 6% 47% 43%
Jordan

2%

0% 8% 45% 42%
Kuwait

3%

4% 12% 40% 38%
Saudi Arabia 1% 1% 5% 33% 58%
UAE 1% 1% 10% 30% 55%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Which of the following is closer to your view? The existing tensions between Iran and Israel and some Western countries will ultimately.... (ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, March 27-April 12, 2023) (ASDA’A BCW Arab Youth Survey, March 27-April 12, 2023)

  2023
Lead to military conflict 60%
Be resolved through diplomatic means. 33%

 

 

 

 

 

 

1) Please indicate if you think Iran plays a positive role / negative role / no impactArab Attitudes Towards Iran, 2011

 
Morocco
Egypt
Lebanon
Jordan
Kuwait/Saudi Arabia
Iranian Impact in Iraq
14 / 72 / 14
13 / 61 / 21
38 / 35 / 13
20 / 56 / 8
14 / 81 / 4
Iranian Impact in Lebanon
21 / 48 / 28
17 / 51 / 27
70 / 15 / 5
50 / 40 / 4
3 / 71 / 22
Iranian Impact in Arab Gulf Region
15 / 53 / 29
17 / 50 / 29
28 / 32 / 23
2 / 33 / 38
1 / 84 / 10

2) Please tell us if your opinion of Iran is favorable / unfavorableArab Attitudes Towards Iran, 2011

 
Morocco
Egypt
Lebanon
Jordan
Kuwait/Saudi Arabia
Opinion On Iran
14 / 85
37 / 63
63 / 37
23 / 77
6 / 80

3) Please tell us if you agree / disagree with the following statements? Arab Attitudes Towards Iran, 2011

 
Morocco
Egypt
Lebanon
Jordan
Kuwait/Saudi Arabia
The Arab Gulf states are right to be concerned with Iran’s nuclear program because this program only makes the region less secure
88 / 12
83 / 16
33 / 43
57 / 42
97 / 3
I would be comfortable with Iran as the dominant power in the Gulf region
16 / 84
29 / 71
48 / 35
19 / 78
14 / 81

4) If you had to choose one nation, other than Israel, to be a nuclear power in the Middle East, which country would you prefer? Arab Attitudes Towards Iran, 2011

 
Morocco
Egypt
Lebanon
Jordan
Kuwait/Saudi Arabia
Iran
5
<1
33
6
2
Egypt
61
89
29
52
13
Saudi Arabia
9
6
8
12
65

5. Please tell us if you agree / disagree with the following statements. Arab Attitudes Towards Iran, 2011

 
Morocco
Egypt
Lebanon
Jordan
Kuwait/Saudi Arabia
Iran contributes to peace and stability in the Arab world
16 / 83
32 / 68
57 / 42
22 / 72
4 / 95
The United States contributes to peace and stability in the Arab world
11 / 87
10 / 89
16 / 84
5 / 95
24 / 71

Older Polls:

If Iran acquires nuclear weapons, which of the following is the likely outcome for the Middle East region? (PCPO, October 2010)*

More positive
29.0%
Would not matter
37.4%
More negative
33.6%

*Asked only to Palestinian Arabs

Do you believe that Iran is merely conducting research for peaceful purposes, or trying to develop nuclear weapons? (Brookings)

 
2008
2009
2010
Peaceful purposes
46%
31%
35%
Nuclear weapons
39%
58%
57%

There is international pressure on Iran to curtail its nuclear program. What is your opinion? (Brookings)

 
2008
2009
2010
Iran has the right to its nuclear program
67%
53%
77%
Iran should be pressured to stop its nuclear program
22%
40%
20%

If Iran acquires nuclear weapons, which of the following is the likely outcome for the Middle East region? (Brookings)

 
2008
2009
2010
More positive
44%
29%
57%
Would not matter
12%
18%
20%
More negative
29%
46%
21%