Trump Manages Unpopular War with Iran

As the conflict with Iran enters its fifth month, President Donald Trump faces unprecedented low public support for a modern American war. Historically, wars in Afghanistan and Iraq began with high public backing, which dropped over time. However, support for the war with Iran started low and remains there.

According to a Gallup survey conducted from June 1 to 15, only 34% of Americans approved of the military action against Iran 93 days into the conflict. In comparison, during the Libya campaign in 2011, Gallup found 39% approval 95 days in, and 260 days into the Iraq war, there was a 60% approval rate.

Initial support for military actions in Afghanistan and Iraq was significantly higher. Gallup recorded 90% approval on the day strikes began in Afghanistan in October 2001, and 76% approval for the Iraq invasion decision in March 2003.

A Quinnipiac University poll in March 2026 showed 40% of registered voters supported the action against Iran, with 53% opposing it. A CNN poll recorded only 41% initial support for the Iran conflict, the lowest for any American military action on record.

Gallup’s review of military engagements since the 1980s showed only two other actions with less than majority support at the outset before Iran: President Obama’s Libya campaign and the strikes on Syria in 2017 and 2018.

Approval ratings have not improved. A Washington Post-Ipsos poll from July found that 29% approved of Trump’s handling of the Iran war, while 68% believed it was not worth fighting. This gap rivals the worst sentiment recorded for the Afghanistan war in 2013.

Why Lack of Wartime Approval Bump?

The absence of a ‘rally-around-the-flag’ effect is notable. President George W. Bush’s approval surged after the 9/11 attacks and the start of the Afghanistan campaign. Trump’s approval, however, declined from 40% to 36% post-strike.

Mark Jones of Rice University’s Baker Institute noted the absence of the traditional rally effect. Karl Rove echoed this sentiment in the Wall Street Journal, stating that Trump’s usual appeal had not resulted in increased support.

Even former President Obama did not experience a rally effect from the Libya intervention, with only a temporary increase following the death of Osama bin Laden in 2011.

Reasons for Iran War’s Unpopularity

Several factors distinguish the current climate from past conflicts. The Iran war was a choice without an immediate domestic trigger. Unlike the attacks that preceded earlier wars, the strikes were coordinated with Israel amid failed negotiations.

The economic impact is significant. Gasoline prices increased by about a dollar per gallon during the conflict’s first month, and oil prices exceeded $100 per barrel in response to resumed fighting. Reuters/Ipsos reported only 25% approval for Trump’s economic measures in March.

Polarization also plays a role. Republican support stood at 79%, while independents and Democrats showed much lower approvals, at 26% and 8% respectively.

Public Perception Compared to Iraq and Vietnam

The Iran war’s unpopularity does not dominate public discourse like Vietnam or Iraq did. In 1967, 55% of Americans considered Vietnam the country’s main issue. In 2007, Iraq was cited by 36%. Currently, issues like living costs overshadow the Iran conflict in public concern.

The human cost also differs. While Afghanistan and Iraq saw thousands of U.S. troop casualties, the Iran war has seen 18 American deaths, four occurring recently, according to the Pentagon.

Future Outlook

Few signs indicate an end to the conflict soon. The previous diplomatic efforts remain unresolved, focusing attention on the military’s continued operations and Iran’s responses. Thirteen consecutive nights of U.S. strikes demonstrate the ongoing intensity of the campaign.

Upcoming developments may determine if the conflict moves toward de-escalation or enters a prolonged and unpredictable phase. Changes in U.S. or Iranian military tactics, or new diplomatic efforts, could influence the direction of the war.

For further comments, contact Newsweek editors Jason Lemon and Gray R. Thomas.