Survey Demonstrates National Support for the Iran Nuclear Deal
WASHINGTON – According to a bipartisan survey from the University of Maryland’s Program for Public Consultation (PPC), approximately two thirds of Americans oppose withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal.
The survey asked respondents to assess arguments in favor and against continuing with the nuclear deal. The results found that “64 percent of respondents recommended continuing with the deal as long as Iran continues to comply with the terms, while 34 percent opted for withdrawing and seeking to negotiate a better deal.”
These results are consistent with PAAIA’s 2016 survey results of Iranian Americans, which also found that almost two thirds of respondents (65 percent) approve of the Iran nuclear agreement.
Additionally, in October of 2016, PAAIA commissioned Global Impact Strategies (giStrat) to conduct a data driven analysis on strengthening Iran’s compliance with the deal. The report found that Iran is likely to continue its compliance with the deal.
The PPC report the from the University of Maryland, released right before the inauguration, stands in contrast to Donald Trump’s campaign position on the Iran nuclear deal. Prominent public servants have also broken with Donald Trump’s position on the deal.
Defense Secretary nominee General James Mattis broke with Trump’s campaign position on the Iran nuclear deal during his confirmation hearing. “I think it is an imperfect arms control agreement – it’s not a friendship treaty. But when America gives her word, we have to live up to it and work with our allies,” said General Mattis.
Another key player in Congress, Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Senator Bob Corker (R-TN), also stated his support for enforcing the deal in a recent Reuters article. “Abrupt rejection of the Iran nuclear deal by the incoming Trump administration could create a crisis. To tear it up on the front end, in my opinion, is not going to happen. Instead, we will begin to radically enforce it,” said Senator Corker.
