Most Americans disapprove of President Donald Trump's handling of the war with Iran, according to a new poll released by the Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, even as his overall job approval rating remains largely unchanged.
The survey comes at a pivotal moment in the conflict, as Trump has shifted from threatening military action against Tehran to suggesting that a new agreement with Iran has been reached. Despite that diplomatic opening, public opinion remains overwhelmingly negative regarding the administration's management of the war.
According to the poll, 65% of U.S. adults disapprove of Trump's handling of issues involving Iran, highlighting widespread skepticism about the conflict that began on Feb. 28. The findings underscore the political challenges facing the president as he attempts to reshape public perceptions of the war while simultaneously pursuing negotiations with Tehran.
The poll found that views on the conflict are sharply divided along partisan lines. While Democrats and independent voters largely disapprove of Trump's actions, Republicans remain considerably more supportive. Only 28% of Republicans surveyed said they were unhappy with Trump's handling of Iran, illustrating the deep political polarization surrounding the issue.
The results suggest that the war has failed to gain broad public backing despite months of military operations and repeated warnings from the White House about the threat posed by Iran.
Americans' views on Iran closely mirror their broader assessment of Trump's presidency. The AP-NORC survey found the president's overall approval rating stands at 37%, essentially unchanged from previous polling.
The numbers indicate that while the conflict has become a major issue in U.S. politics, it has not significantly altered public perceptions of Trump's performance in office. Instead, opinions about the president's approach to Iran appear to reflect existing partisan attitudes toward his administration.
The poll was conducted as Trump publicly signaled a potential breakthrough with Tehran. In recent days, the president has suggested that negotiations with Iran have produced an agreement, marking a dramatic shift from the more confrontational rhetoric that characterized the earlier stages of the conflict.
The apparent diplomatic opening follows months of tensions that raised concerns about a broader regional war and its impact on global energy markets, U.S. military personnel in the Middle East, and American allies in the region.
Political analysts note that foreign policy issues often have less influence on public opinion than domestic concerns such as inflation, employment, and immigration. However, prolonged military conflicts can become politically damaging if voters perceive them as costly or lacking clear objectives.
The AP-NORC findings suggest many Americans remain unconvinced by the administration's strategy, even as Trump argues that diplomatic efforts could help bring the conflict to an end.
The survey adds to a growing body of polling showing public unease about U.S. involvement in the Iran conflict and may increase pressure on the White House to demonstrate tangible progress in negotiations.
Whether a potential agreement with Tehran changes public attitudes remains to be seen. For now, the poll indicates that a significant majority of Americans continue to view Trump's handling of Iran negatively, even as his broader approval ratings remain relatively stable.
