A recent AP-NORC poll reveals that a significant majority of Americans express concern over the threat posed by Iran, while simultaneously questioning President Donald Trump‘s ability to manage international relations effectively. The survey results are particularly timely, as the Trump administration engages in crucial nuclear discussions with Iranian officials that could determine the future of U.S.-Iran relations.
According to the poll, conducted from February 19 to 23, 2024, approximately 80% of U.S. adults reported a moderate to high level of concern regarding Iran’s nuclear program, with 48% indicating they are very or extremely worried. This apprehension comes as the White House prepares for critical negotiations with Iran, a process that some analysts suggest may represent the last opportunity for a peaceful resolution before a potential military conflict.
Despite the high level of concern regarding Iran, the poll found that 56% of respondents do not trust Trump to make sound decisions regarding military action abroad. This sentiment is shared across party lines, with 16% of Republicans expressing minimal trust in Trump’s choices concerning military force. Among Democrats, 92% and 65%% of independents expressed similar doubts about his judgment on the use of nuclear weapons.
These findings come in the context of Trump’s recent military interventions, which include targeted strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and a raid that resulted in the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. As tensions between the U.S. and Iran escalate, Trump’s administration has ramped up military presence in the Middle East, marking the largest build-up in decades.
In a bid to negotiate a nuclear deal, Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have been in discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. The ongoing negotiations occur amid Trump’s mixed signals regarding diplomatic solutions. During his recent State of the Union address, he stated, “My preference is to solve this problem through diplomacy. But one thing is certain, I will never allow the number one state sponsor of terrorism to have a nuclear weapon. And no nation should ever doubt America’s resolve.”
The poll, which included responses from 1,133 adults and has a margin of error of ±4 percentage points, underscores the growing unease among the American public regarding both Iran’s nuclear ambitions and the handling of foreign policy by the Trump administration. This combination of strong public concern and skepticism about leadership decisions may significantly impact future diplomatic efforts and military strategies concerning Iran.
