Another survey says Americans support strong action against Iran

Americans approve of Obama’s plan for direct negotiations with Iran over its nuclear programme. Even though they’re not hopeful talks will succeed, 61% say it is important to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, even if it means military action. Only 24% say it is more important to avoid a military conflict with Iran. The Pew Research Centre survey measured attitudes at the end of September/beginning of October. There is also broad willingness across the political spectrum to use military force to prevent Iran from going nuclear. Two-thirds of independents and 71% of Republicans say it is important to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons even if this means military action, while 51% of Democrats concur and only 31% of Democratic partisans say avoiding a military conflict with Iran is more important. This kind of broad-based support can bolster Obama as he faces this foreign policy challenge.