According to their own statements, Austrians are largely following developments in Iran with high interest, a survey by market Institut shows.
Most expect an increase in oil prices and inflation. Fifty-four percent fear a military escalation and a “regional conflagration” in the Middle East, and 25 percent even fear a Third World War. Additionally, 46 percent believe that U.S. President Donald Trump is using the situation to distract from his own involvement in the Epstein affair.
More Than 800 People Surveyed
On March 2 and 3, market surveyed 843 randomly selected respondents aged 16 and over in online interviews. Two-thirds said they are closely following media coverage of the issue, while only seven percent are not following it at all. Men and older respondents show greater interest in media reports than women and younger people.
Fourteen percent expect the situation to calm down soon, while 46 percent anticipate further escalation. Regarding the possible consequences of the conflict, Austrians primarily fear economic effects: 79 percent expect oil prices to rise, and 77 percent anticipate increasing inflation. Fifty-nine percent expect a new wave of refugees from Iran.
Sixty-eight percent fear that the number of terrorist attacks worldwide will increase again. Only 21 percent believe the threat of terrorism could decrease because Iran, seen as a significant financial backer, might drop out. Fifty-three percent expect Iran to remain under Islamic leadership in the long term.
Some Explicitly Condemn Military Strikes
Twenty-six percent support the attacks—approval is significantly higher among men (35 percent) than women (17 percent)—while 33 percent explicitly condemn the military strikes. The rest are neutral or chose “don’t know.” Notably, supporters follow media coverage more closely than opponents. Sixteen percent openly state: “I actually don’t really care what happens in Iran or the Middle East.”
Regarding the motives of the U.S. president, 46 percent believe he wants to distract from his involvement in the Epstein affair. This represents a plurality, as 38 percent cannot imagine this being the case. The rest responded “don’t know.” Fifty-one percent believe Trump has definitively ruined his chances of winning the Nobel Peace Prize with the attacks on Iran, while 29 percent still see him in contention; the remainder are neutral.
