Poll: Iran

This Navigator Research report covers the latest views of Trump’s military operation against Iran, the impacts on costs at home, and concerns over being bogged down in another lengthy, costly foreign war.

Awareness and Support

The conflict with Iran is dominating news coverage. Eight-in-10 Americans say they are hearing about the conflict in the Middle East and the U.S. striking Iran (80%), including 55% who say they are hearing “a lot.” Even among passive news consumers, or those who say news comes to them rather than seeking it out, two-in-three have heard of the U.S. striking Iran (67%).

By nine points, Americans oppose the military operation against Iran (40% support – 49% oppose). Majorities of Democrats and independents oppose the military operation against Iran (74% and 52% oppose, respectively), while Republicans are more supportive of the operation (70% support). MAGA Republicans are significantly more likely to support the operation (net +73; 84% support – 11% oppose) compared to non-MAGA Republicans (net +8; 48% support – 40% oppose).

Why Trump Launched the War 

When picking the top three reasons President Trump launched the military operation against Iran, Americans are most likely to say he wants to get access to oil and other resources in the region (40%) and he wants to use conflict to distract from other issues like the Epstein files (40%). Slightly less believe he actually felt Iran’s nuclear and missile programs posed an imminent threat (38%), and less than one-in-three believe he wants to liberate the Iranian people from an oppressive regime (31%). As Trump’s reasons for the war are questioned, by 18 points, Americans think the military operation against Iran has made the world less safe (28% safer – 46% less safe).

One-in-five Americans who voted for Trump in 2024 continue to say they regret their vote (19%). When citing why they regret their vote, phrases like “war,” “promises,” and “prices” dominate their reasons. The share of Trump voters that regret their decision matches Navigator’s late February survey (20%), and is an increase from the share in late 2025 (14%).

Lack of Clear Timeline and Goals for the War 

Despite what President Trump claims about the military operation, a majority of Americans believe the U.S. conflict with Iran will last months or longer (53%), and 30% believe it will last a year or longer. Given the lengthy timeline, two-in-three are concerned that the U.S. will become bogged down in a prolonged conflict with Iran (67%), including 84% of Democrats, 74% of independents, and 47% of Republicans. When it comes to Trump’s timeline for the military operation, a majority believe he does not have a clear timeline and goals for the operation (53%).

Concerns Over the Cost of War

By 20 points, Americans oppose Congress providing an additional $50 billion in funding for the U.S. military operation against Iran (34% support – 54% oppose). Support for the additional funding is driven by Republicans (58% support – 29% oppose), though non-MAGA Republicans are split (43% support – 42% oppose). Independents oppose the additional funding by 42 points (60% oppose – 18% support). 

As debate for additional funding continues, Americans’ concerns are focused on their costs being impacted. Top concerns about the U.S. military action against Iran include:

• It will raise oil and gas prices (34%) 
• It is another conflict that will lead to billions being spent abroad instead of helping Americans at home (29%)
• It has resulted in the deaths of innocent civilians, including children (27%)
• It puts U.S. troops unnecessarily in harm’s way, with 13 troops already killed (27%)

As 85% already believe the cost of gas is rising, Americans continue to want Trump and Congress to prioritize inflation and the cost of living (58%), but believe Trump and Republicans in Congress are most focused on immigration and foreign conflicts (64% and 54%, respectively).

Messaging on Trump’s Actions in Iran

Many Americans are most worried about how President Trump’s military actions in Iran will affect the cost of living and everyday prices at home. The war was started as many are already struggling with an affordability crisis that Trump and Republicans in Congress made worse through sweeping cuts to programs many Americans rely on.

Most concerning messages about the conflict with Iran:

• “Trump cut programs people depend on, like Medicaid and SNAP, and is using that money to fund this multi-billion dollar war with Iran. He says we don’t have the money to help Americans afford health care or keep food on the table, but we’re spending billions on bombs and wars” (61% concerning, including 47% “extremely” concerning).
• “We can’t afford Trump’s war with Iran. In the first two days of the conflict alone, the U.S. spent nearly $6 billion on the war. With no end in sight, the conflict could cost the U.S. tens of billions of dollars. We’re spending time and money on the wrong things, with billions spent on bombs and war when we have a cost of living crisis at home.” (62% concerning, including 45% “extremely” concerning).