Nearly half of Americans disapprove of Iran deal

(JTA) — A poll by the Pew Research Center has found that nearly half of Americans disapprove of the recent accord over Iran’s nuclear program.

The poll, conducted during the past week and released Tuesday, found that 48 percent of Americans who had heard of the agreement disapproved of it, versus 38 percent who approved. The deal, finalized last week by the United States, Russia, China, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and Iran, limits Iranian uranium enrichment in exchange for a lifting of economic sanctions.

The poll also found that more than 70 percent of Americans had little to no confidence that Iran would uphold its side of the agreement. Thirty-five percent had “not too much” confidence, while 38 percent had none at all. Twenty-six percent were confident that Iran would abide by the agreement.

In addition, 54 percent of those polled had “not too much” or no confidence in America’s and international agencies’ ability to monitor Iran’s compliance, while 45 percent expressed fair or great confidence in the monitoring regimen.

Only a quarter of respondents believe the agreement will improve U.S.-Iranian relations. But 58 percent of those polled said diplomacy is the best way to ensure peace, while 30 percent prefer military strength.

Three-quarters of Republicans and 49 percent of independents polled disapproved of the deal, while 59 percent of Democrats approved.