When asked to rank various countries on a scale with 10 being the most influential, both Russians and Americans rated the US above 8—Americans (8.77) and Russians (8.74). Respondents to the World Public Opinion.org and Levada Center poll did not rate any other nation near 8. Russians gave the next highest influence ranking (7.14) to the European Union.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
