Many Dutch worried Iran conflict will escalate into a world war

Many people in the Netherlands are deeply concerned that the Israeli and American attacks on Iran will trigger another large-scale conflict, or even escalate into a new world war, RTL Nieuws found in a survey of 15,000 of its panel members. A majority wants the Netherlands to stay out of this conflict as much as possible, according to the broadcaster.

Netherlands residents’ reactions to the attacks are very divided. Four in ten consider them a positive development, saying they are pleased someone is tackling the Iranian regime and preventing the country from becoming a nuclear power. Almost as many are negative, fearing a permanent disruption to the current world order - if major world powers can attack other countries with impunity, where will this end?

Only 17 percent of respondents think that the bombing of Iran made the world safer. 80 percent are worried about peace and stability in the Middle East. Almost half worry that this is the start of what will become a new world war. Almost no one believes that the attacks will truly lead to a more democratic Iran.

France has asked the Netherlands to send a naval frigate to the Mediterranean to offer support amid the increasing tensions. Netherlands residents would rather stay out of it. Almost two-thirds believe that the Netherlands “should not intervene in this conflict in any way.”