Polls & Research

Americans Would Back Sanctions, Not War, Against Iran

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in the United States would support a trade embargo against Iran, according to a poll by Rasmussen Reports. 58 per cent of respondents support the imposition of economic sanctions if the country refuses to stop developing nuclear capabilities.

Backing is considerably lower for a military intervention. Only 36 per cent of respondents would support using force against Iran in the event economic sanctions fail.

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.

In his Feb. 2 State of the Union address, Bush said Iran "remains the world's primary state sponsor of terror—pursuing nuclear weapons while depriving its people of the freedom they seek and deserve." On Feb. 3, Iran's Ayatollah Ali Khamenei dismissed the American president's comments, saying, "Bush is the fifth U.S. president to want to uproot the Iranian nation and the Islamic Republic" adding that the country is "being attacked by the global tyrants."

In November 2004, the Iranian government announced a voluntary suspension of its uranium enrichment program following international pressure. Earlier this month, Iran resumed uranium conversion activities at the Isfahan facility.

In an Aug. 12 interview with Israel's Channel One, Bush referred to the Iran situation, saying, "My latest information is that the Iranians refuse to comply with the demands of the free world, which is: do not in any way, shape or form have a program that could yield to a nuclear weapon. (...) Look, in all these instances we want diplomacy to work. And so we're working feverishly on the diplomatic route. (...) As I say, all options are on the table. The use of force is the last option for any president."

Polling Data

Would you support the imposition of economic sanctions if Iran refuses to stop developing nuclear capabilities?

If those sanctions fail, would you support using military force against Iran?