Iran nuclear talks cause ideological rifts in political parties, disapproval among conservatives

OPINION:

As the deadline for nuclear talks with Iran looms, 49 percent of Americans approve of the U.S. negotiating directly with Iran over its nuclear program, 40 percent disapprove says a Pew Research Center poll.

“There are deep ideological divisions,” the poll says, reporting that 72 percent of liberal Democrats approve of the negotiations, while 62 percent of conservative Republicans disapprove of them. It’s complicated.

“Both parties are internally divided over direct negotiations with Iran. Liberal Democrats are 16 points more likely than conservative and moderate Democrats to approve of the talks (72 percent vs. 56 percent). Conservative Republicans are 15 points more likely than moderate and liberal Republicans to oppose the negotiations (62 percent vs. 47 percent),” the poll analysis states.

Almost two thirds of the overall public is skeptical of whether Iranian leaders are serious about addressing international concerns over their nuclear enrichment program. Again, the partisan divide: 80 percent of Republicans and 48 percent of Democrats also say the leaders are not serious. And another 62 percent overall say Congress rather than President Obama should have the final authority in the tense situation; 83 percent of Republicans and 42 percent of Democrats agree.

The poll of 1,500 U.S. adults was conducted March 25-29.