55 percent of Americans suspect Iran will cheat on the nuclear deal

A new Monmouth University poll reveals that a majority of Americans aren't as optimistic as President Obama is about the new nuclear deal with Iran. Fifty-five percent of Americans said they don't trust Iran "at all" to stick to the terms of the agreement, which requires the country to dismantle its nuclear program and allow its nuclear facilities to be inspected. Only 5 percent of Americans responded that they trust Iran "a lot." Republicans were far more skeptical than Democrats, with 71 percent of Republican respondents expressing skepticism about taking Iran's word.
Although the American people and Congress may be skeptical of the deal and of Iran's promise to roll back its nuclear program in exchange for lifted sanctions, President Obama pointed out that it's far better than the alternative — no deal. "Put simply," Obama said in a Tuesday morning statement, "no deal means a greater chance of more war in the Middle East."
The poll was conducted in the days leading up to Tuesday morning's finalization of the deal, following 18 days of discussion between the U.S., Iran, Russia, China, Britain, France, and Germany and over 20 months of negotiations.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Why UK scientists are trying to dim the Sun
In The Spotlight The UK has funded controversial geoengineering techniques that could prove helpful in slowing climate change
By Abby Wilson
-
Gandhi arrests: Narendra Modi's 'vendetta' against India's opposition
The Explainer Another episode threatens to spark uproar in the Indian PM's long-running battle against the country's first family
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
How the woke right gained power in the US
Under the radar The term has grown in prominence since Donald Trump returned to the White House
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red Sea
Speed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacks
speed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages released
Speed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'
Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
By The Week UK
-
Tuberville's military promotions block is upending lives, combat readiness, 3 military branch chiefs say
Speed Read
By Peter Weber
-
Ukraine's counteroffensive is making incremental gains. Does it matter in the broader war?
Speed Read
By Peter Weber
-
US commissions first-ever Navy ship in a foreign port
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans
-
British spy chief, Wagner video suggest Prigozhin is alive and freely 'floating around'
Speed Read
By Peter Weber, The Week US