Majority of Americans Doubt Iran War Was Worthwhile
Only one in four Americans believes the war with Iran was worth its costs, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted June 19-23, 2026. The survey of 1,262 U.S. adults found that 24% of respondents think the conflict was justified, while 50% said it was not worth the costs, and the remainder were unsure.
The poll also revealed widespread skepticism about the durability of the preliminary deal signed by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on June 17. That agreement aims to reopen oil and gas shipping lanes frozen by the conflict and ease U.S.-led economic pressure on Iran.
Trump's Approval Rating Hits New Low
The war has taken a toll on President Trump's popularity. His approval rating dropped to 34%, matching the lowest level of his second term, previously recorded in April 2026. 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. Conversely, 35% believe the U.S. is in a weaker position.
Trump's approval on the cost of living stands at just 22%, near the lowest of his presidency and below that of his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, at the end of his term. High inflation and controversies over immigration enforcement have further eroded support.
Deal's Prospects for Lasting Peace
Sixty-three percent of Americans think it is unlikely that the Trump-Pezeshkian deal will lead to lasting peace. This view is shared by about half of Republicans and eight in 10 Democrats. Only 18% of Americans (10% of Democrats, 34% of Republicans) see lasting peace as likely.
The conflict began with U.S.-Israeli strikes on February 28, 2026. Iran retaliated by shutting down a fifth of global oil trade and damaging energy facilities of U.S. regional allies. Global crude oil prices have since dropped following the preliminary deal, but U.S. gasoline prices remain considerably higher than before the war.
Impact on Midterm Elections
Trump's declining popularity could affect Republicans' chances in the November 3 midterm elections. Among independent registered voters, only 17% said they would vote for the Republican in their district, compared with 34% who would pick the Democrat.
Immigration remains a weak point for Trump: just 37% of Americans approve of his handling of immigration, the lowest of his term and down from 40% in the prior Reuters/Ipsos poll. The poll's margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points.
