Polls Show Only 27% of Americans Support Trump’s War on Iran

Only about one in four Americans approve of U.S. airstrikes on Iran, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, underscoring public unease as casualties mount, oil prices surge and U.S President Donald Trump presses ahead with a widening military campaign.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll found 27% approved of the US airstrikes on Iran, 43% disapproved and 29% were unsure. The survey, which closed Sunday, showed that roughly nine in 10 respondents had heard at least something about the strikes, which began early Saturday with a surprise attack that killed Iran’s leader.

The online poll surveyed 1,282 U.S. adults nationwide and had a margin of error of three percentage points. It was conducted while U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran were ongoing and closed before the U.S. military announced its first casualties.

Trump dismissed the numbers, telling the New York Post: “I don’t care about polling. I have to do the right thing,” adding, “You cannot let Iran… have a nuclear weapon.” He also argued, “I think it’s a silent majority.”

While 55% of Republicans said they approved of the Iran strikes and 13% disapproved, 42% of Republicans said they would be less likely to support the campaign if it leads to U.S. troops being killed or injured in the Middle East.

Four U.S. service members have been killed during the campaign. Three U.S. jets were shot down during combat missions when they came under fire by mistake from Kuwaiti air defenses, according to the U.S. military. Iranian retaliation has included missile and drone strikes on Israel and on U.S. installations across the region.

Trump’s overall job approval rating slipped to 39%, one percentage point below a February 18-23 Reuters/Ipsos poll.

Economic concerns appear central to public hesitation. Some 45% of respondents, including 34% of Republicans and 44% of independents, said they would be less likely to support the Iran campaign if gas or oil prices increase in the United States.

Brent crude surged 10% to about $80 a barrel in over-the-counter trade Sunday, with analysts predicting prices could climb as high as $100 due to the conflict.

The strikes began three days before the first primaries of the U.S. midterm elections, which will determine whether Republicans maintain their congressional majorities for the next two years. Reuters/Ipsos polling has consistently shown the economy ranks above foreign policy as voters’ top concern.

About half of respondents, including roughly one-third of Democrats, said they would be more likely to support the strikes if they lead Iran to give up its nuclear program.

The survey also found that 56% of Americans believe Trump is too quick to resort to military force to advance U.S. interests. That view was shared by 87% of Democrats, 60% of independents and 23% of Republicans.