Majorities Oppose U.S. Military Action, Fear Higher Gas Prices and Reject Ground Troops.
Most Americans see Iran as a threat. But most also oppose this war.
As the war with Iran enters its second week, new national polls show Americans are divided along party lines — yet opposition to U.S. military action currently outweighs support.
Surveys conducted by Quinnipiac, Ipsos, Fox News, CNN and the AP-NORC Center suggest a cautious and anxious public, worried not only about security but also about economic fallout and the possibility of a prolonged conflict.
More Oppose Than Support Strikes
A new Quinnipiac poll found 53% of registered voters oppose U.S. military action against Iran, while 40% support it. Ipsos reported similar findings, with more Americans disapproving than approving of the strikes.
A Fox News poll showed a closer divide, with voters split evenly at 50% approval and 50% disapproval.
At the same time, a majority of Americans question whether Iran posed an “imminent” threat before the strikes. In the Quinnipiac survey, 55% said they did not believe Iran posed an immediate military danger. However, other polls indicate that many Americans still view Iran as a broader national security threat.
Economic Anxiety Rising
Economic concerns are emerging as a major driver of public unease. Large majorities say they are worried about rising oil and gasoline prices as a result of the war.
According to Ipsos, about two-thirds of Americans expect gas prices to worsen over the next year due to U.S. military action. Even among Republicans, more respondents predicted higher fuel costs than lower ones.
With oil prices fluctuating sharply, economic uncertainty may weigh heavily on voters — especially if the conflict drags on.
Doubts About Safety and Leadership
Roughly half of voters in Quinnipiac and Fox News polls said the military action makes the United States “less safe,” while only about three in ten believe it makes the country safer.
A CNN poll found that about six in ten Americans trust President Donald Trump “not much” or “not at all” to make the right decisions regarding the use of force in Iran. An earlier AP-NORC survey showed similar skepticism about his judgment on military matters.
Republicans overwhelmingly back the president, but even within his party there are signs of caution — particularly over the possibility of ground troops.
Strong Opposition to Sending Troops
One area of broad bipartisan agreement: Americans do not want boots on the ground.
Nearly three-quarters of voters oppose sending U.S. troops into Iran, according to Quinnipiac. Even among Republicans, more oppose than support deploying ground forces.
The Ipsos poll found overwhelming concern — across party lines — about risking American military lives in an expanded conflict.
A Delicate Political Moment
The polling paints a complicated picture. Many Americans see Iran as a threat. Many also distrust Tehran’s intentions. Yet a larger share currently opposes the war itself, fears economic consequences and rejects escalation.
For the White House, the message is clear: public support may hold if the conflict is short and contained. But if it stretches into months — or demands American troops — political backing could erode quickly.
