Poll Shows Majority of Americans Doubt Trump’s Claims of Progress in Iran Conflict

A Reuters/Ipsos poll released this week indicates that Americans remain skeptical of President Donald Trump’s statements that his administration is close to ending hostilities with Iran. About half of respondents said they expect U.S. military action in Iran to destabilize the Middle East over the next year, compared with 17 percent who think the war will increase stability. An additional 16 percent anticipate no change, and 17 percent are unsure.

The survey also found that 58 percent of Americans anticipate higher gasoline prices as a result of the conflict, while only 15 percent expect prices to improve.

Republican voters are divided on the issue. Although 80 percent approve of Trump’s overall performance and 66 percent support his handling of Iran, only 41 percent believe the war will lead to greater regional stability.

Overall approval of the war stands at 35 percent. When asked which party has a better approach to war and terrorism, 37 percent of registered voters chose Democrats and 36 percent chose Republicans, marking the first time Democrats have led on the question since the poll series began in December 2024.

"This war was unpopular the day it started, and it’s gotten more unpopular since," said Justin Logan, director of defense and foreign policy studies at the Cato Institute.

Logan added that President Trump faces a difficult trade-off between his goals of degrading Iran’s missile capabilities and preventing a nuclear weapon, and the need to limit U.S. casualties and political repercussions.