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Politics
Do Americans Want War With Iran?
Politics

Do Americans Want War With Iran?

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Story Highlights

  • 78% favor reliance on nonmilitary efforts to stop Iran's nuclear program
  • 42% who favor nonmilitary measures support force if other efforts fail
  • 65% express concern that the U.S. will be too quick to use military force

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As tensions have escalated once again between Washington and Tehran, most Americans tell Â鶹´«Ã½AV they want to see their country rely more on economic and diplomatic efforts to stop Iran's nuclear program, rather than take military action. There is broad consensus in these views among supporters of both major political parties.

Most Americans Favor Economic and Diplomatic Efforts Over Military Action Against Iran
What do you think the United States should do to get Iran to shut down its nuclear program -- take military action against Iran, or rely mainly on economic and diplomatic efforts?
Take military action against Iran Rely on economic/diplomatic efforts
% %
Total U.S. adults 18 78
Republicans/Leaners 25 72
Democrats/Leaners 11 86
GALLUP, JULY 15-31, 2019

These data are from a survey conducted July 15-31, starting less than two weeks after the United Kingdom seized an Iranian tanker carrying Iranian fuel products allegedly headed to Syria in violation of EU sanctions against that country. Five days into polling, Iran delivered on its threats of retaliation and seized a British-flagged tanker, the Stena Impero, in the Strait of Hormuz.

Americans' opinions of how best to deal with Iran are similar to what they were in 2007, when the George W. Bush administration imposed sanctions targeting Iran's oil production. At that time, 18% favored taking military action against Iran and 73% preferred a reliance on economic and diplomatic sanctions.

What the U.S. Should Do if Nonmilitary Efforts Should Fail

Although most Americans choose nonmilitary efforts to shut down Iran's nuclear program as their first preference, Americans who support a diplomatic approach to Iran express less unity by party when asked what the United States should do if such measures fail to stop Iran's nuclear program.

Americans Less Certain on U.S. Action Against Iran if Diplomatic, Economic Measures Fail
Suppose U.S. economic and diplomatic efforts do not work. If that happens, do you think the United States should -- or should not -- take military action against Iran?
Yes, should No, should not
% %
Total U.S. adults 42 53
Republicans/Leaners 60 35
Democrats/Leaners 29 68
Based on those who say the U.S. should rely mainly on economic and diplomatic efforts to get Iran to shut down its nuclear program
GALLUP, JULY 15-31, 2019

Unlike responses to the initial question of what the U.S. should do, there is a notable partisan difference in the preferred action should nonmilitary efforts fail. Six in 10 Republicans would support military action against Iran in that scenario, whereas 68% of Democrats would remain opposed to it.

The 42% of those who favor military action if nonmilitary efforts fail translates to 35% of all U.S. adults. Combining that group with the 18% who favor military action outright means a slim majority of Americans, 53%, would support military action against Iran if diplomatic and economic efforts are unsuccessful.

Republicans Least Likely to Fear Being Too Quick to Use Military Force

Most Americans (65%), including most Democrats (85%), express some level of concern that the United States will be too quick to use military force to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. In contrast, the majority of Republicans say they are either not too concerned (35%) or not concerned at all (21%) about this possibility.

Most Americans Concerned U.S. Will Be Too Quick to Use Military Force in Iran
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 Not concerned at all
% % % %
Total U.S. adults 34 31 21 13
Republicans/Leaners 17 27 35 21
Democrats/Leaners 50 35 8 5
GALLUP, JULY 15-31, 2019

Americans' concern about being too quick to use military force is down from what Â鶹´«Ã½AV measured in 2007, when 76% were concerned about this possibility.

Concerns That the U.S. Will Not Do Enough About Iran

At the same time that 65% of Americans are concerned about the U.S. taking too aggressive an approach with Iran, a similar percentage, 63%, say they are very or somewhat concerned about the U.S. not doing enough to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. This percentage is also lower than it was when Â鶹´«Ã½AV last asked the question, in 2007 (73%).

Bottom Line

While only 9% of Americans consider Iran to be the United States' greatest enemy, most consider Iran an enemy or unfriendly nation. When it comes to trying to stop Iran's nuclear program, more than three out of four Americans think the United States should rely mainly on economic and diplomatic efforts to get Iran to shut it down. If such efforts fail, Republicans are inclined to back military action, while Democrats would not. Overall, a total of 53% of Americans would support military action either as an initial response or as a response if nonmilitary efforts fail.

View complete question responses and trends (PDF download).

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