View the survey questionnaire and trend tables. This survey is one in a series of surveys related to Iran that CISSM has conducted since 2013. View the complete list of surveys.
Summary of Findings
1. Enthusiasm for Nuclear Deal Declines, while Support for Nuclear Program Stays High
While the nuclear deal is still supported by a majority of Iranians, this number has diminished since the deal was reached in July 2015, with the number strongly approving dropping by half. A contributing factor may be that expectations for benefits from the deal were high. A year after the deal was implemented and nuclear-related sanctions on Iran were lifted, majorities believe that Iran has not received most of the promised benefits and that there have been no improvements in people’s living conditions as a result of the nuclear deal. While support for the deal is buoyed by some optimism that it will eventually improve people’s living conditions, that optimism is also declining. Just as in past years, four in five Iranians see the development of an Iranian nuclear program as very important.
2. U.S. Seen as Actively Obstructive, Contrary to Commitment under Nuclear Deal
A growing majority of Iranians lack confidence that the United States will live up to its obligations under the nuclear agreement. They believe either that the United States is finding other ways to keep the negative effects of sanctions that were lifted under the deal, or that the United States has not even lifted the sanctions it was supposed to lift. A growing majority also believes that contrary to the terms of the agreement, the United States is trying to prevent other countries from normalizing their trade and economic relations with Iran. Two thirds say Iran’s relations with the United States have not improved as a result of the nuclear deal. A plurality thinks that the agreement for Iran to purchase passenger airplanes from the United States is likely to have little impact on Iran’s economy.
3. Little Appetite for Renegotiating the Nuclear Deal
Iranians expect President Trump to be more hostile toward Iran than was President Obama. Seven in ten Iranians believe it is likely that President Trump may decide not to abide by the terms of the nuclear agreement. In such an event, a plurality thinks that Iran should retaliate by restarting the aspects of its nuclear program that it has agreed to suspend under the deal, though 4 in 10 disagree.
There is no appetite among Iranians for renegotiating the agreement. Large majorities say that Iran should refuse to increase the duration of the special nuclear limits it accepted under the JCPOA or terminate its nuclear enrichment program, even if offered more sanctions relief in return.
4. Strong Support for Fighting ISIS, but Not for Collaborating with the U.S.
Iranians continue to support their government helping groups that are fighting ISIS. Yet, a bare majority continues to oppose Iran and the United States collaborating with one another to help the government of Iraq counter ISIS.
5. Views of P5+1 Countries
Majorities regard Russia, China, and Germany (half of the P5+1 countries) favorably, yet France, Britain, and especially the United States (the other half) are viewed unfavorably. Six in ten believe that most of the P5+1 countries, except for the United States, will fulfill their obligations under the JCPOA. Views toward all Western powers involved in the negotiations are now less positive than they were six months ago. Views toward the UN are roughly divided, and a majority continues to think that it possible for Islam and the West to find common ground.
6. Rouhani Losing Popularity as the 2017 Presidential Elections Approach
While Rouhani is still favored in the 2017 presidential elections, his support has dropped below half. Tehran’s current conservative mayor, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who is regarded as the main contender, is in an improved position: the gap between him and Rouhani has narrowed by seven points since June 2016.
A large but diminishing majority say they have a favorable view of Rouhani, with the number having very favorable opinions dropping by more than half since the nuclear deal was reached.
Besides diminishing enthusiasm about the nuclear agreement, which is regarded as Rouhani’s most important accomplishment in office, perceptions about the economy are also harming Rouhani’s popularity. Six in ten say the economy is bad and, for the first time since Rouhani took office, a majority says it is getting worse. An overwhelming majority want Iran’s next president to focus on reducing unemployment and fixing Iran’s economy.