Yes
I do.
No
I don’t.
President Donald Trump’s confrontation with Iran has once again placed one of America’s most difficult foreign-policy relationships at the center of the national conversation.
For decades, relations between Washington and Tehran have been marked by hostility, sanctions, military tensions and disputes over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and activities throughout the Middle East.
Now Americans are debating what should come next.
Trump has taken a tough approach toward Iran, maintaining that the United States must defend its interests and prevent Tehran from threatening America and its allies.
The president’s position has generated strong reactions both at home and abroad.
Supporters of Trump’s approach argue that previous American administrations have sometimes been too willing to compromise with Tehran without receiving enough in return. They believe Iran responds more effectively to economic and military strength than concessions from Washington.
Others worry about where an extended confrontation could ultimately lead.
The Middle East has experienced years of instability, and any escalation involving the United States and Iran carries potentially serious consequences. Those consequences could extend beyond the battlefield and affect energy markets, international trade and American families thousands of miles away.
That is one reason the question of America’s future relationship with Iran matters to voters who may otherwise pay relatively little attention to foreign affairs.
Americans generally want their country to be respected abroad, but there is substantial disagreement over the best way to accomplish that goal.
Should Washington demand concessions and accountability before relations with Tehran can improve? Should diplomacy remain the priority? Or should America combine negotiations with continued economic and military pressure?
Trump has now added another element to the debate by saying Iran owes the United States an apology.
For supporters, such a demand may represent something they believe has been missing from American foreign policy: insisting that hostile governments be held accountable for their actions.
Critics may question whether demanding an apology accomplishes anything practical or makes a future diplomatic agreement more difficult.
Either way, the issue raises a straightforward question for American voters.
President Trump says Iran owes America an apology. Do you agree with him?