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New ICC Poll Reveals Strong Majority of Americans Believe in Israel’s Right to Defend Itself Against Iran

The survey, which was taken by 800 U.S. adults, showed that over 80% agree it is critical to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.
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June 18, 2025
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A new poll conducted by Schoen Cooperman Research on behalf of Israel on Campus Coalition revealed that a strong majority of Americans are supportive of Israel’s recent actions in Iran.

The survey, which was taken by 800 U.S. adults, showed that over 80% agree it is critical to stop Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons; an equal percentage view a nuclear-armed Iran as a serious threat to U.S. national security. Additionally, 62% believe the U.S. should back Israel’s efforts to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities, and 57% of Americans support Israel’s strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities. A majority, 51% percent, see Israel’s actions as self-defense, while only 28% see them as aggression.

“These results reflect a clear American consensus: over 80% recognize the critical need to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, and Israel has the right to protect itself from this existential threat,” said Jacob Baime, CEO of ICC, which is a pro-Israel organization for Jewish and non-Jewish Zionists on college campuses nationwide. “Operation Rising Lion is a precise and necessary response to a regime that threatens Israel’s existence and global stability. Americans recognize that Israel’s actions safeguard not only its own security but also U.S. interests.”

“Operation Rising Lion is a precise and necessary response to a regime that threatens Israel’s existence and global stability.” – Jacob Baime

The survey comes at a time when figures on both sides of the political spectrum, from Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens to Dave Smith and Cenk Uygur, are publicly calling out Israel for its actions and warning that this could be the beginning of World War III. ICC and Schoen Cooperman’s findings reveal that these are fringe opinions and Americans are in favor of Israel protecting itself.

The poll also showed significant public engagement, with 70% of Americans reporting they have followed news about the Israel-Iran conflict closely. This shows heightened awareness of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.

Iran has been aggressive towards both the U.S. and Israel in the decades since the Iranian Revolution of 1979, when it became the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to President Trump, Israel struck at the right time, saying on Tuesday, June 17 that Iran was “very close” to having a nuclear weapon. The Trump Administration has not yet decided to become actively involved in the conflict.

However, what is clear is that most Americans think that Israel is taking the correct steps.

“Americans understand the seriousness of the threat that Iran poses, as majorities support Israel’s actions against Iran and believe that Israel’s attack was an act of self-defense,” said Carly Cooperman, CEO of Schoen Cooperman Research. “The American public is united around preventing Iranian nuclear proliferation and sees Israel as furthering American interests by taking action to do so.”

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