Polls & Research

Americans Believe Iran Will Get Nuclear Arms

- Many adults in the United States think the problems over Iran's nuclear program will escalate, according to a poll by Bloomberg for the Los Angeles Times. 56 per cent of respondents think Iran will eventually get nuclear weapons.

After being branded as part of an "axis of evil" by U.S. president George W. Bush in January 2002, Iran has contended that its nuclear program aims to produce energy, not weapons. 52 per cent of respondents would support the U.S. taking military action against Iran if it continues to produce material that can be used to develop nuclear weapons, while 37 per cent disagree.

In November 2004, the Iranian government announced a voluntary suspension of its uranium enrichment program following international pressure. In August 2005, Iran resumed uranium conversion activities at the Isfahan facility. On Apr. 12, Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, declared, "I officially announce that Iran has joined the club of nations that own nuclear technology."

Last month, European Union (EU) foreign policy representative Javier Solana presented a package of incentives designed by Britain, China, France, Germany, Russia and the U.S. to achieve negotiations with Iran on the reach of its nuclear program. The most contentious topic of the proposal calls for Iran to temporarily halt its uranium enrichment activities.

Yesterday, Iranian foreign minister Manouchehr Mottaki said the country would respond to the proposal in August—and not before Jul. 12 as some diplomats have urged—saying, "The date announced by the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to the proposed package is immovable."

Polling Data

Overall, taking into consideration everything you have heard or read about the situation with Iran, do you think Iran will be stopped from getting nuclear weapons through diplomatic solutions, or only through military action, or do you think Iran will eventually get nuclear weapons?

If Iran continues to produce material that can be used to develop nuclear weapons, would you support or oppose the U.S. taking military action against Iran?