Iran Nuclear Threat: More Americans Want ‘Firm Stand,’ Poll Says
Iran Nuclear Threat: More Americans Want ‘Firm Stand,’ Poll Says
As international efforts to curb Iran’s nuclear development program continue, a growing share of Americans say they want firm action to end the threat of the Tehran regime building a nuclear bomb, according to a new poll from the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press.
Fifty-six percent of respondents said they favor Washington taking a “firm stand” with Iran, while 41% said it is “more important to avoid military conflict,” the poll found. The share saying they advocate firm action has increased from 50% since January.
The poll, taken of 1,511 adults October 4-7, didn’t define “firm stand.”
The Obama administration has argued that a combined effort of international economic sanctions and diplomacy can persuade Iran to give up its nuclear ambitions, and says time remains before policymakers need to decide whether to launch airstrikes and/or other military action against Iranian nuclear facilities.
Western nations believe that Iran is developing the capacity to build nuclear weapons; Iran says its nuclear program is meant for civilian purposes only.
The poll also found some disillusionment with the popular revolts that rocked much of the Middle East last year in the “Arab Spring,” and a growing desire for Washington to support stable Middle Eastern governments, even if they are undemocratic. The results also pointed to a desire for the United States to scale back involvement in the turbulent region.