54% of Americans support the U.S. launching direct attacks on Iran in response to attacks on U.S. troops by militias and terrorist groups funded and armed by Iran.
WHY IT MATTERS U.S. troops stationed in the Middle East have been attacked more than 150 times by Iranian backed militias and terrorist groups since the Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel that triggered the war in Gaza. This includes an attack that killed three U.S. troops stationed in Jordan.
HOW TO USE THIS DATA The report shows how attacks on U.S. troops could impact the election.
Click on the image below to read the full report…or read the summary below.
More Worried About U.S. Troop Safety
- 48% of Americans are more worried about attacks on U.S. troops since the Israel-Hamas war began. 41% are worried as much as they were before the war.
- Despite this increased concern, only 36% agree that a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas would stop the attacks on U.S. troops by Iranian backed groups. 44% disagree and 21% don’t know.
- 52% of Gen Z and 50% of black voters agree a ceasefire would stop attacks on U.S. troops. These are the only two demographic groups with a majority in agreement.
- 47%, a plurality of Americans, say Biden is not doing enough to defend U.S. troops against attacks by Iranian-backed groups. This includes 72% of Republicans and 45% of swing voters.
Holding Iran Accountable
- 54% support launching direct attacks on Iran in response to attacks on U.S. troops by groups funded and armed by Iran. This includes 64% of Republicans, 49% of Democrats, and 54% of swing voters.
- There is a significant gender and racial divide. 63% of men support direct attacks on Iran compared to 46% of women. 53% of Hispanics and 58% of white voters support direct strikes, compared to 36% of Asians and 40% of black voters.
- 59% of all New Majority voters support retaliatory strikes on Iran. However, undecided and Democrat-leaning New Majority voters oppose.
Potential Election Impact
- In a hypothetical matchup, a Republican who supports retaliatory strikes on Iran defeats a Democrat who opposes them 44% to 38%.
- This advantage for the Republican candidate, however, may be overstated. This is because compared to the generic ballot, the Republican candidate loses New Majority voters, who are critical to building a center-right coalition.