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Americans Oppose Military Action Against Iran Amid Ongoing Protests, Poll Shows
Americans across the political spectrum are united in their opposition to U.S. military strikes against Iran in response to the government’s deadly crackdown on protesters, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll.
The survey, conducted between January 9-12, reveals that 70% of American voters believe the United States should not get militarily involved in Iran, with only 18% supporting potential military action. Opposition to military intervention was widespread among Independents (80%), Democrats (79%), and even a majority of Republicans (53%).
These findings come as tensions escalate in Iran, where widespread protests against the regime have reportedly resulted in thousands of casualties. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency announced Tuesday that nearly 2,000 people have been killed in the demonstrations, though other reports suggest the death toll may exceed 3,000.
President Donald Trump has ratcheted up pressure on Tehran in recent days, urging “Iranian Patriots” to “KEEP PROTESTING — TAKE OVER YOUR INSTITUTIONS” on social media. He has warned Iranian authorities that “They will pay a big price” and has threatened “very strong action” if protesters are executed. The White House confirmed Monday that Trump is weighing potential bombing strikes in reaction to the crackdown.
These protests, described as some of the most violent since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, began as demonstrations against economic conditions but have rapidly intensified in recent weeks.
Despite the divisions in American politics, the Quinnipiac poll reveals strong bipartisan support for congressional oversight of military actions. Seven in ten voters said presidents should receive congressional approval before taking military action against another country. Democrats (95%) and Independents (78%) overwhelmingly support this position, while Republicans are divided, with 54% saying congressional approval is not necessary.
“Talk of the U.S. military potentially intervening in Iran’s internal chaos gets a vigorous thumbs down, while voters signal congressional approval should be a backstop against military involvement in any foreign crisis,” said Quinnipiac University polling analyst Tim Malloy.
The survey also examined public opinion on other recent foreign policy actions by the Trump administration. Voters are nearly evenly split on the president’s decision to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and bring him to the United States to face drug trafficking charges, with 47% supporting the move and 45% opposed. This issue revealed sharp partisan divides, with 85% of Republicans backing the operation while 79% of Democrats opposed it.
When it comes to U.S. involvement in Venezuela following Maduro’s capture, 57% of voters oppose the U.S. running the country until Washington is satisfied with its governance. Nearly three-quarters (73%) oppose deploying U.S. ground troops to Venezuela, and 55% are against the U.S. taking control of the country’s oil sales.
The poll also addressed Trump’s renewed efforts to acquire Greenland from Denmark, which he has framed as essential for national security. Despite the administration’s consideration of various options to take control of the territory, including potential military force, 86% of Americans oppose military action to acquire Greenland. By a margin of 55% to 37%, voters also oppose attempting to buy the territory, though more than two-thirds of Republicans support efforts to purchase or capture Greenland.
Trump previously ordered military strikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities last June as part of Operation Midnight Hammer, during fighting between Iran and Israel. His current threats toward Iran come amid broader tensions in the Middle East and growing concerns about the humanitarian situation inside Iran.
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7 Comments
The broad opposition to military strikes on Iran reflects the public’s fatigue with prolonged conflicts in the region. While the protests in Iran are concerning, most Americans seem to favor a restrained approach focused on sanctions and diplomatic pressure rather than overt military action.
Agreed. After the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, there is understandable hesitance to get involved militarily in another Middle Eastern conflict, even one with Iran. The priority should be supporting the protesters through non-violent means.
This poll shows the American people are not eager for another war in the Middle East, even as Iran’s crackdown on protesters continues. There’s a recognition that military force could make the situation worse and that diplomatic and economic pressure may be more prudent at this stage.
The opposition to military action against Iran across party lines is telling. It suggests the public is wary of further entanglement in the region and wants to see a diplomatic solution instead. At the same time, supporting protesters without escalating tensions will be a delicate balance for policymakers to strike.
I’m glad to see such bipartisan opposition to potential military strikes on Iran. De-escalation and diplomacy should be the priority, especially given the human toll of the ongoing protests. While supporting the Iranian people is important, using force could make the situation even more volatile.
Absolutely. Diplomacy and sanctions may be more effective tools than military action at this stage. The US needs to walk a fine line between supporting the protesters and avoiding further conflict with Iran.
This poll result is an interesting data point. It suggests the American public is wary of another military entanglement in the Middle East, even in response to the Iranian government’s crackdown on protests. De-escalation and diplomatic pressure may be the prudent path forward.