Most Americans say Iran war was not worth the cost, poll finds

WASHINGTON: A Reuters/Ipsos poll has found that only about one in four Americans believe President Donald Trump’s war with Iran was worth the price paid, while a clear majority doubts that the truce with Tehran will hold.

The five-day survey, which ended on Monday, also indicated that the conflict has weighed on Trump’s standing at home. According to the poll, his approval rating fell to 34%, matching the lowest level of his second term, which was previously recorded in an April survey.

On the question of whether the United States is in a better position with Iran after the war, 23% of respondents said Washington is now stronger than it was before the fighting. That figure included only half of Republican respondents. By contrast, 35% said the United States is in a weaker position, while the remainder said the situation was unchanged or that they were uncertain.

The poll also showed broad scepticism about the overall value of the conflict. Some 24% of Americans said the war with Iran was worth its costs, while half said it was not. The rest were unsure.

Doubts over lasting peace

Americans were also doubtful that the agreement signed by Trump would bring a durable peace between the two countries. The poll found that 63% considered it unlikely that the deal would produce lasting peace.

That view cut across party lines, with about half of Republicans and eight in 10 Democrats saying they did not expect the agreement to secure peace. Only 18% of respondents said lasting peace was likely, including 10% of Democrats and 34% of Republicans.

Trump won the 2024 presidential election after pledging to curb inflation and keep the United States out of expensive foreign wars. His political image has long been tied to his background as a real estate developer known for deal-making, as well as his career in reality television.