Russians oppose engagement in possible U.S.-Iran armed confrontation – poll

MOSCOW. Oct 18 (Interfax) – Moscow should not interfere in a possible altercation between Tehran and Washington, but mediate the peace process, says a report from the Yuri Levada analytical center obtained by Interfax on Wednesday.

Twenty-seven percent of Russians believe Russia should not engage in a possible armed conflict between Iran and the United States.

Thirty-two percent think that Moscow should be an intermediary and promote peaceful solutions to the Iran-U.S. problems, and 19% suggest maneuvering “for the sake of Russia’s national interests.”

Eight percent think that Russia should side with Iran in its possible conflict with the U.S., and 3% suggest taking the side of the United States.

Ten percent of the respondents failed to answer the question.

Russians are divided over the existence of a security threat coming from Iran. Some 36% think there is such a threat, 35% say “no” and the others are uncertain.

Thirty-four percent believe that Iran should not block the Hormuz Strait, the main route for Gulf crude supplies, in retaliation for economic sanctions, while 28% think Iran should do so and 38% do not know.

Levada Center polled 1,600 Russians in 130 towns and cities in 45 regions at the end of September.