A new multi-country survey shows that an overwhelming majority of the global public, 80%, holds the US and Israel at least partially responsible for starting the ongoing war with Iran, contributing to a widespread sense of international isolation for the alliance.
The findings come from a snap poll conducted by the Gallup International Association and released today, the first of its kind on the conflict, which surveyed nearly 13,000 people in 15 countries who were aware of the war.
The dominant sentiment is one of neutrality, with a clear majority of 60 percent stating they support neither side. This figure starkly contrasts with the 16 percent who back the USA-Israel alliance and an equal 16 percent who support Iran.
Support for Iran was most pronounced in Pakistan, at 79 percent, followed by Turkey at 36 percent. Conversely, backing for the USA-Israel coalition reached its peak in Colombia (30 percent) and the Philippines (28 percent).
On the question of accountability, the most common view is that the USA and Israel share equal responsibility, an opinion held by 44 percent of respondents. A further 24 percent blame the USA alone and 12 percent point solely to Israel, while 15 percent hold Iran responsible.
Publics across the surveyed nations are largely sceptical that the war will achieve its objectives. Nearly half, 47 percent, believe efforts to replace Iran’s government will fail, while only 21 percent anticipate success.
There is a broad consensus that the conflict will lead to greater turmoil. A significant 63 percent foresee chaos and internal strife in Iran, 60 percent anticipate increased instability across the Middle East, and 69 percent believe Israel will continue to face external attacks.
Most respondents are also bracing for a protracted conflict, as 59 percent expect the war to last for many months, compared to 26 percent who believe it will conclude within weeks.
The economic consequences of the war are a near-universal concern, with 53 percent expecting strong financial harm to their country and another 33 percent anticipating minor financial repercussions. Only 9 percent expect no adverse economic impact.
In an accompanying commentary, the Gallup International Association team noted that publics, even in traditionally allied nations, see the United States as increasingly alone in its narrative, having initiated a war viewed as unlikely to deliver security for Israel or regional stability.
The study was conducted between 5th March and 30th March 2026, across countries in Europe, Asia, and Latin America, using a mix of online and telephone interviews. The global results are computed as averages across the participating nations.