A new Fox News Poll reveals that 73% of registered voters believe Iran poses a real threat to U.S. national security, marking a significant rise from six years ago. This consensus spans across major political divides, with Democrats (69%), Republicans (82%), and Independents (62%) all agreeing on the importance of Iran as a national security concern. This shift in public perception highlights a broader trend of concern over potential threats from Iran, with the recent escalation in the Middle East intensifying fears.
Despite widespread acknowledgment of Iran’s threat, the poll highlights a deep partisan divide regarding the justification of Israeli airstrikes on Iran. Nearly half (49%) of voters approve of the strikes, while 46% disapprove. Republicans are more supportive, with 73% approval, compared to 32% among Democrats and 32% of Independents. This division underscores the political polarization that continues to influence perceptions of U.S. foreign policy and the role of military action.
The survey also reveals mixed public opinion on the consequences of the strikes. While 59% believe the attacks will make the world more dangerous, 36% think they will make it safer. Democrats and Independents are particularly concerned about increased peril, with 74% and 77% respectively agreeing. At the same time, 78% of voters express extreme or very strong concern about Iran’s nuclear program, up from 66% in April and matching the peak seen in 2010. This indicates a consistent and growing awareness of the risks associated with Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
However, voters generally prioritize domestic issues over international conflict. Concerns about the U.S. economy (80%), inflation (84%), and government spending (80%) rank higher than fears about Iran. Only 46% of voters currently support financial aid for Israel, although this number has risen from March’s 50% and remains lower than the peak of 60% in November 2023, shortly after the October 7 Hamas attacks. Democrats and Independents are less likely than Republicans to support funding for Israel, highlighting a stark partisan divide in foreign aid preferences.
Meanwhile, support for aid to Ukraine remains steady, with 56% of voters backing financial assistance for Kyiv. Partisanship influences support for both conflicts, with Democrats favoring Ukraine (70%) and Republicans supporting Israel (71%). The ongoing war in Ukraine is seen as important for the U.S., though less so than the Middle East conflict, with 72% of voters recognizing its relevance to American life.
President Donald Trump continues to advocate for a strong stance on Iran, urging the nation to seek its ‘unconditional surrender’ and has taken steps to address the situation, such as leaving the G7 summit. His approval rating on foreign policy has remained relatively flat, with 42% approving and 57% disapproving, creating a net negative rating of -15. His overall approval rating stands at 46% approve, 54% disapprove, reflecting the challenges he faces on the global stage.
The poll also highlights the enduring impact of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with continued concerns over antisemitism and the use of U.S. military forces domestically. As the Middle East remains a focal point of international attention, the survey underscores the complexity of American public opinion on global security, balancing national interests with domestic priorities and partisan divides.