A month into the escalating conflict in the Middle East, a majority of Americans now view the war with Iran as a “war of choice” rather than a necessity, expressing deep skepticism over the administration’s objectives and the conflict’s impact on the domestic economy.
According to a new CBS News poll released Sunday, 57% of respondents believe the war is “not going well” for the United States. The survey, analyzed by CBS News Director of Elections and Surveys Anthony Salvanto, highlights a nation increasingly fractured over military intervention and wary of a protracted “forever war.”
Key Findings: A Nation Divided
The data reveals a stark partisan divide that defines the American political landscape in 2026:
- Opposition: 56% of Americans strongly or somewhat oppose the current military action.
- Partisan Split: 84% of Republicans support the war effort, compared to just 14% of Democrats and 31% of Independents.
- Strategic Skepticism: 66% of Americans characterize the conflict as a “war of choice,” while fewer than one-third believe the Trump administration has clearly defined its strategic goals.
The Economic Toll
Economic concerns are driving the surge in disapproval. As the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, global energy markets have recoiled, sending U.S. gas prices to record highs. The poll indicates that most Americans are unwilling to make long-term financial sacrifices for the conflict.
“People see the war as directly weakening the economy,” Salvanto noted. “There is a growing sense that the short-term impact on gas prices is just the beginning of a broader recessionary trend.”
Fear of Escalation
Despite the administration’s framing of the war as a preemptive strike to degrade Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the public remains terrified of mission creep. 74% of voters oppose the deployment of ground troops, a sentiment shared across party lines. While 86% of Republicans support airstrikes, only 37% of that same group support putting “boots on the ground.”
The White House has maintained that the strikes under Operation Epic Fury were necessary to prevent an imminent threat. However, the CBS poll suggests that the “imminent threat” narrative has failed to take hold with a majority of the electorate, who instead see a lack of a clear exit strategy.
