Americans are Paying Attention to the War With Iran, And It’s Impacting Their Views of Trump

More than two months in, the U.S. war with Iran continues to dominate media headlines. More than four-in-five Americans say they’ve heard at least something about the war (82%) with a majority saying they’re hearing “a lot” (57%), more than any other news item tested in this survey.

That news is influencing Americans’ views of Trump. The war with Iran was most cited when asked what good and bad news they had heard about Trump. Of the 17% of Trump 2024 voters who say they now regret their vote, the war with Iran was the most-cited reason, followed by the economy.

Nearly three-in-five Americans oppose Trump’s handling of foreign policy (58%), including two-thirds of independents (67%). Trump’s net approval on foreign policy has fallen 15 points from -6 in June 2025 to -21 today.

Americans Don’t Think the War with Iran is Worth it

Half of Americans say the war with Iran is not worth it (50%). This includes a majority of independents (54%), nearly one-in-four Republicans (24%), and more than a third of non-MAGA Republicans (34%)

Opposition to U.S. military action against Iran is about the same, with half opposed (49%). This is a view shared by more than one-in-five Trump 2024 voters (21%) and a third of non-MAGA Republicans (34%).

Americans are Increasingly Worried About Being Bogged Down in War with Iran

A growing share of Americans expect the war with Iran to drag on. Nearly two-thirds now say the conflict will last months or longer (64%), up 11 points since March (53%), with 38% expecting it to continue for a year or more (up from 30% in March). 

Seven-in-10 Americans are worried the U.S. will be bogged down in a conflict with Iran (70%), including a majority of Republicans (55%). 57% of Americans continue to say that Trump doesn’t have a clear plan or timeline for the war, including a majority of independents (58%) and 30% of Republicans.

A Quarter of Americans Don’t Trust Either Party on the War with Iran

In March, President Trump and the Republican Party held an eight-point trust advantage over Democrats on the war with Iran (39% – 31%, respectively). In the past month, that advantage narrowed to just three points (President Trump and Republicans – 36% – Democrats – 33%). However, 24% of Americans, including a majority of independents (51%) say they trust neither party on the war.