A clear majority of Americans now oppose the ongoing military conflict with Iran, citing a lack of clear strategic goals and the escalating economic toll at home.
According to a new CBS News/YouGov poll released Sunday, 57% of Americans believe the war is not going well for the United States. The data reveals a deepening public skepticism exactly one month after the initiation of Operation Epic Fury, the joint U.S.-Israeli campaign launched on February 28.
A “War of Choice”
The findings underscore a significant disconnect between the White House and the electorate. While President Trump has characterized the strikes as a “great victory for peace,” 66% of respondents now label the conflict a “war of choice” rather than a strategic necessity.
“Americans are voicing a range of conflicting goals,” said Anthony Salvanto, CBS News Director of Elections and Surveys. “While there is broad support for neutralizing Iran’s nuclear program, there is an overwhelming demand to end the hostilities as quickly as possible.”
The Economic Toll
The shift in public opinion coincides with a sharp spike in domestic energy costs. National gas prices are currently nearing the $4.00 per gallon mark, a direct result of instability in the Strait of Hormuz.
- 90% of Americans believe the war is the primary driver behind rising fuel costs.
- 78% of respondents express concern that the conflict will trigger a domestic recession.
- Less than one-third of the public believes the administration has clearly articulated its endgame.
Partisan Divide and Military Reality
The poll highlights a stark partisan fissure. Support remains high among the President’s core base, with many Republicans expressing confidence in the military’s ability to dismantle the Iranian regime. However, Independents and Democrats have shifted sharply against the intervention following reports of high casualty counts and the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader in the opening wave of strikes.
The Pentagon recently estimated the cost of the first three weeks of operations at $18 billion, with a pending request for an additional $200 billion in emergency funding. As the conflict enters its second month, the “rally around the flag” effect appears to be fading, replaced by a demand for diplomatic resolution and economic relief.
