Over half of Iranians view Netanyahu positively, 40% see Israel-US strikes as ‘humanitarian' - poll

What Happened

A GAMAAN survey of 31,450 Iranians aged 15+, conducted 20–27 June 2026, found that 40% considered US and Israeli military strikes against Iran a ‘humanitarian intervention’, while 48% viewed them as ‘military aggression’. 60% expressed satisfaction that the Islamic Republic was weakened, and 52% were not saddened by the February 2026 assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Only 13% said they wanted to live under the Islamic Republic; 25% had joined December 2025 protests, which human rights groups estimate left 30,000 dead. 80% deemed the regime’s crackdown ‘wrong’. The poll also recorded economic damage from a three‑month internet shutdown: 36% reported higher living costs, 29% reduced income, and 25% job loss.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The poll reveals a deeply unpopular regime and significant internal dissent, with only a small minority still supporting the Islamic Republic. The mixed, but substantial, acceptance of foreign strikes as humanitarian could embolden external actors and opposition groups, while highlighting the regime’s fragility. It also underscores the high cost of repression, with tens of thousands killed and economic damage from shutdowns, fuelling further unrest.

Watch For

Likely further protest waves given widespread dissatisfaction; potential regime attempts to regain control or escalate repression; whether US‑Israeli operations continue or expand; international reactions, including debates over intervention legitimacy; and possible diplomatic shifts if opposition forces gain momentum.