A new Reuters/Ipsos poll reveals that only one in four Americans believes President Donald Trump's war with Iran was worth its costs, and a majority worry that the truce with Tehran is unlikely to last.
Poll Details and Timing
The five-day poll, which closed on Monday, surveyed American adults on their views of the conflict and its aftermath. The results show significant skepticism about the outcomes of the war, which Trump initiated during his second term.
Only 23% of Americans—including just half of Republicans—think the U.S. is now in a stronger position relative to Iran compared with before the war. Some 35% of respondents believe the U.S. is in a weaker position, while the remainder said they were unsure or that the position was about the same.
War Costs and Approval
Just 24% of Americans think the war with Iran was worth its costs, according to the poll. Half of respondents said the conflict was not worth it, and the rest were unsure. The war appears to have taken a toll on Trump's popularity: his approval rating dropped to 34%, a return to the lowest level of his second term, last seen in an April survey.
Trump won the 2024 presidential election after promising to reduce inflation and keep America out of costly foreign wars. His political brand has long leaned on his background as a deal-making real estate developer and reality television star.
Peace Deal Skepticism
Some 63% of Americans think it unlikely that the deal Trump signed will lead to lasting peace between the two countries. About half of Republicans and eight in 10 Democrats said the deal was unlikely to deliver peace. Only 18% of Americans—including 10% of Democrats and 34% of Republicans—see lasting peace as likely.
The poll underscores deep divisions along party lines, with Republicans more optimistic than Democrats about the war's outcomes and the peace deal. However, even among Republicans, only half believe the U.S. is in a stronger position, and just half think the war was worth the costs.
Implications
The findings suggest that the war with Iran may be a political liability for Trump as he seeks to maintain support ahead of future elections. The public's wariness of further conflict and skepticism about the peace deal could influence policy decisions moving forward.
