Following the news that North Korea has ramped up its nuclear interests by conducting more tests earlier this week, 69% of respondents to a recent Rasmussen Reports survey about the country’s nuclear intentions say they’re concerned about the threat that North Korea might use nuclear weapons against the United States. More than one-third (36%) say they’re “very concerned.”

At the time of year where partisanship prevails, this is an issue that transcends political divisions: 71% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats report concern over the possible threat (see crosstabs).

It was reported on Monday that North Korea had carried out a successful underground nuclear test. Still, 70% of American adults believe that terrorism represents a larger threat than North Korea. Only 14% view North Korea as the bigger threat.

Those numbers are similar to the results both before and after North Korea’s test firing of seven missiles in July.

While North Korea’s recent actions have not had an impact on public opinion in the United States, it has captured the nation’s attention. Seventy-nine percent (79%) report following the story closely—42% report following the news “very closely.”

Sixty-three percent (63%) of respondents say the United States’ European allies would offer assistance in meeting a nuclear threat from the North Koreans. Twenty-eight percent (28%) say such assistance is not likely.

Despite North Korea’s very public displays of their nuclear advances, Iran continues to be perceived as a more serious threat. When given list of countries from which to choose, 27% say Iran is a bigger threat to our national security, followed by Iraq (16%.) North Korea places third at 15%.

A Rasmussen Reports poll in September revealed that 77% of Americans believe Iran will possess nuclear weapons “soon.” Furthermore, 64% believe that Iran’s nuclear advances are being directed toward weapons production rather than energy and more than one-third (35%) believe it is not possible to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons.

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