Majorities of Americans and Russians surveyed in a new poll believe that Iran is attempting to develop nuclear weapons and are concerned about it. However, opinions split when asked what should be done about it. According to WorldPublicOpinion.org, about two-thirds of Americans surveyed say they would support economic sanctions, while less than a quarter of Russians would do so. (WPO joined forces with the Levada Center in Russia on this poll.) Some 24 percent of Americans are OK with a US bomb strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, while only seven percent of Russians would approve bombing.
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.