Shocking Poll: 69% of Iranians Say “Stop Calling for the Destruction of Israel”

A new international survey has revealed a deep divide between the Iranian regime and public opinion inside the Islamic Republic, showing that most Iranians want their government to end its calls for Israel’s destruction and instead seek dialogue with the United States.

The poll, conducted by the Netherlands-based GAMAAN Institute in September, found that 69% of Iranians believe their regime should stop promoting the destruction of Israel. The survey, titled “Iranians’ Attitudes Towards the 12-Day War,” reflected the views of citizens aged 15 and older, with a 95% confidence level, according to Iran International TV.

The study showed that 51% of respondents believe Israel achieved its objectives in the June war between the two nations, while only 16% said Tehran was victorious. Another 19% said neither side had met its goals.

Analysts have long believed that the Islamic regime does not represent the attitudes of most Iranians, who prior to the fall of the Shah in the 1970s lived mostly secular lives.

A strong 62% majority said Iran should engage in direct talks with the United States to resolve ongoing disputes, while 22% opposed such negotiations. Opinions were more divided regarding Iran’s missile program: 46% felt it strengthened national security, compared to 43% who disagreed.

Nearly half of those surveyed, 47%, agreed that Iran should halt uranium enrichment to prevent another war, while 36% opposed the idea. When asked about the likelihood of future conflict, 34% rated it “very likely,” and 26% said it was “somewhat likely.”

The poll also highlighted changing perceptions of other nations. The United States received the most positive view among Iranians, with 53% expressing favorable opinions. Israel ranked second, with 39% holding a positive attitude and 48% negative.

Social media remains the dominant source of information for Iranians; 51% said they rely on Telegram, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter) for news. Another 43% cited the Iran International channel, while only 27% said they watch state-run IRIB television, and 9% follow BBC Persian.

The survey also showed widespread dissatisfaction with Iran’s leadership. Only 27% rated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s performance during the war positively, compared to 58% who viewed it negatively—contradicting the glowing reports from state media.

According to the data, 62% of respondents credited U.S. President Donald Trump’s intervention as a key factor in ending the war and reaching a ceasefire. Just 22% rejected that view.

Regarding responsibility for the conflict, 44% blamed Iran, 33% blamed Israel, and 16% said both sides were at fault. Moreover, 63% said the 12-day war was between Israel and the Iranian regime—not the Iranian people—while a majority rejected describing it as a “national” or “patriotic” war.

The findings suggest growing disillusionment among Iranians with the regime’s hardline stance toward Israel and the West, marking a potential turning point in public sentiment across the Islamic Republic.

Israeli journalist Amit Segal points to another fact indicating Iranian unrest:

“Since June, on the Iranian housing classifieds website, apartment owners have been proudly noting that their property is far from military bases,” he observed, in remarks translated from Hebrew. “If the Revolutionary Guards or similar installations are nearby, the property value plummets — out of fear of an Israeli strike.”

Pointing out the tyranny of Tehran, Segal continued: “The water pipes in Tehran are shut down six hours a day, but the gallows operate 24/7. Since the beginning of 2025, the Iranian regime has executed 1,500 civilians. The ayatollahs use mass executions to terrorize the public.”