A poll by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs, which was conducted between 19 and 23 February 2026, revealed that younger American adults, including the Gen Z and Millennial subgroups, view Iran with far less hostility than older generations, particularly the Gen X and Baby Boomers subgroups.
The results showed a stark contrast in attitudes.
About 70 percent of Americans aged 45 and older view Iran as an enemy. Only about 50 percent of those under 45 share the same perception.
Moreover, 60 percent of older Americans are highly concerned about the nuclear program of Iran, while only 33 percent of younger Americans share that level of concern.
It is worth mentioning that the perception of older U.S. adults was shaped by several events in the Middle East. These included the 1979-1981 Iran Hostage Crisis.
The hostage crisis in Iran involved 66 Americans who were taken hostage at the Embassy of the United States in Tehran. The situation dominated news for 444 days and spawned various media programs and pop cultural references.
Younger U.S. adults have no living memory of the hostage crisis. Their perceptions were shaped by endless American involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Both young age and socioeconomic status can also be factors.
Younger respondents are of fighting age. This makes them more cautious about supporting armed conflicts that they would be the ones to fight.
Less engagement with politics can also be a reason. An earlier poll conducted the same organization in July 2025 only 60 percent of young U.S. adults consider political participation as important.
The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs poll also revealed that 50 percent of the U.S. public has little to no trust in the discernment of U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the use of military force overseas. These include specific international military actions and the use of nuclear weapons.
FURTHER READING AND REFERENCE
- Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs. 26 February 2026. “Trust in Trump’s Decision Making on the Use of Military Force Overseas is Low.” Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs. Available online