Gallup: Iranians Have Become More Hopeful About the Nuclear Agreement

A survey by the American Institute Gallup shows that Iranians are more hopeful than last year about resolving the nuclear dispute and reaching an agreement with the P5+1 group. 22% of the sample respondents expressed that they are 'very hopeful' regarding the recent talks between Iran and the European Union leading to a mutually satisfactory agreement. 48% stated they are somewhat hopeful, while in the spring of 2013, only 13% of Iranians were 'very hopeful' about reaching this agreement, and 45% were 'somewhat hopeful'. In the new Gallup survey conducted this fall among Iranians inside the country, 10% of the sample indicated they are 'not very hopeful', and 12% answered that they 'have no hope at all', compared to last year's figures of 15% and 12%, respectively. 2% of the sample stated they are generally unaware of the negotiations, while last year this group constituted 7% of the survey population. Gallup emphasizes that although this survey refers to negotiations between Iran and the EU, since Iran is also engaged in negotiations with the U.S. and the P5+1 group, the responses may pertain to any of these negotiations. The survey also notes that 75% of Iranians support the continuation of the nuclear program despite sanctions, with only 11% believing it should not continue, compared to last year when 68% supported the continuation of Iran's nuclear program and 17% opposed it. However, there is a fundamental disagreement among Iranians regarding what the ultimate goal of Iran's nuclear program should be, as they are almost evenly divided. 42% of Iranians stated they support the development of nuclear capabilities for military purposes, while 56% agree that Iran should utilize these capabilities for non-military purposes. Gallup indicates that Iranians who support both civilian and military nuclear programs remain optimistic about negotiations, suggesting that their perspective on a potential agreement is unrelated to the international community. While the global community is concerned about Iran's potential to produce nuclear weapons, it appears that many Iranians support both the nuclear agreement and the development of nuclear power for military purposes. Among Iranians who support Iran's military nuclear program, 72% expressed that they are somewhat or very hopeful about reaching a nuclear agreement. 75% of Iranians who support the civilian nuclear program also indicated they have similar levels of hope for the nuclear agreement. This survey was conducted via telephone among individuals over 15 years old in Iran, with a sample size of 1,005 individuals.