Dutch public largely opposed to recent U.S., Israel attacks on Iran
Most Dutch citizens are critical of the U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran that began on February 28, according to a survey conducted March 6–9 by Ipsos I&O. The attacks killed Iran’s top leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, along with other regime figures. Iran has responded with missile strikes across the region.
The Ipsos survey found that 75 percent of respondents expressed concern over the conflict in the Middle East, higher than concern over the war in Ukraine (67 percent) or in Gaza (57 percent). About 39 percent of Dutch citizens view the U.S. and Israeli attacks as a negative development, compared with 21 percent who see them as positive.
The rest were neutral (25 percent) or unsure (15 percent). Political affiliation strongly influenced views: support was higher among right-wing conservative voters, particularly those aligned with SGP, JA21, and PVV, while left-leaning and progressive voters (GL‑PvdA, PvdD, SP, D66) largely opposed the attacks.
Critics of the attacks cited violations of international law, threats to state sovereignty, and the risk of further escalation in the Middle East. Many expressed distrust of U.S. motives, describing the attacks as acts of power politics. Supporters focused on weakening Iran’s repressive regime and reducing its nuclear threat, hoping the attacks could prompt change.
Regarding continuation of the strikes, 42 percent of respondents believe the attacks should stop, while 28 percent oppose halting them. Support for stopping falls to 28 percent if respondents are told the Iranian regime would likely remain in power if the strikes end.
Dutch attitudes toward the government’s response were also critical. Among those who could give an opinion, 47 percent disapproved of the Netherlands’ stance, compared with 23 percent who supported it; 29 percent were unsure. Most critical citizens wanted the government to speak out more against Israel and the U.S. (37 percent), while a smaller group preferred more support for those countries (13 percent).
Support for the government was slightly higher among coalition party voters but remained divided. Among VVD voters, 43 percent backed the government line, 40 percent opposed it; CDA voters supported it at 41 percent, opposed at 33 percent; and D66 voters were largely critical, with 33 percent supporting and 39 percent opposing. Criticism was strongest among left‑progressive party voters.
The Middle East conflict has contributed to rising oil and gas prices. Roughly 36 percent of respondents worried about affording fuel and 34 percent about paying energy bills, with concern higher among lower-income households. Two-thirds (66 percent) favored rapid independence from foreign oil and gas, and 55 percent supported resuming gas extraction in Groningen to achieve this.
Trust in NATO has recovered after a dip in January, with 50 percent of respondents expressing “much” or “some” confidence, compared with 40 percent for the European Union and 39 percent for the Dutch government. A majority (73 percent) considered EU defense too reliant on the U.S., though 32 percent expect the U.S. to continue protecting European NATO members, up from 22 percent in January.
The Ipsos I&O survey included 2,132 Dutch residents aged 18 and older, drawn mainly from the I&O Research Panel and partially from PanelClix. Results were weighted for gender, age, region, education, and October 2025 parliamentary election voting behavior.
