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Rouhani's landmark week
01:54 - Source: CNN

Story highlights

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani speaks Friday with U.S. President Barack Obama

CNN/ORC International survey: Only 1 in 5 Americans oppose negotiations with Tehran

Many in U.S. fear Iran intends to develop nuclear weapons

Washington CNN  — 

Three-quarters of Americans say they favor direct diplomatic negotiations with Iran in an attempt to prevent that country from developing nuclear weapons, according to a new national poll.

Just one in five questioned in a CNN/ORC International survey released Monday morning say they opposed negotiations with Tehran.

President Barack Obama spoke by telephone Friday with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani – the first direct conversation between leaders in Washington and Tehran since 1979. The call has raised the possibility that a deal can be reached over Iran’s nuclear program.

Obama, Netanyahu meeting comes with baggage

Describing the conversation as a starting point, Obama said he believes an agreement is possible regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions that could lead to better relations.

“Large majorities in all major demographic categories favor negotiations with Iran over their nuclear program, including 87% of Democrats and 68% of Republicans. This is nothing new for the U.S. public – in 2009, virtually the same number of Americans said they favored negotiations with Iran,” says CNN Polling Director Keating Holland.

The poll was conducted for CNN by ORC International September 27-29, with 803 adults nationwide questioned by telephone. The survey’s overall sampling error is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

Iranians warm to possible thaw in relations

Israel says man spied for Iran, carried photos of U.S. Embassy

Report: Shoe thrown at Iran’s President Rouhani

CNN Political Editor Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report