Trump's approval rating on Iran drops as most Americans say war not worth fighting, AP-NORC poll finds

An AP-NORC poll reveals that public support for President Donald Trump's handling of Iran has dropped to 28%, with two-thirds of Americans declaring the war not worth fighting. The conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, has claimed 18 U.S. service members. Rising economic pressures, including oil topping $100 a barrel and gas exceeding $4 a gallon, fuel domestic anxiety. While 70% of Americans prioritize negotiating a permanent ceasefire, partisan divides persist as 80% of Republicans focus on preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons.

Trump approval on Iran war

• ▪President Donald Trump's approval rating on handling Iran fell to 28% in July 2026, down from 34% in June 2026.
• ▪President Donald Trump's overall presidential approval rating stood at 33% in late July 2026.
• ▪Among Republicans, approval of President Donald Trump's handling of Iran declined to approximately 61% in July 2026 from 71% in June 2026.

Public opposition to Iran conflict

• ▪Only about 20% of United States adults want to continue military action in Iran.
• ▪Since the war with Iran began, 18 United States service members have been killed in the conflict.
• ▪About two-thirds of United States adults say the war with Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, has not been worth fighting.

Gas prices economic stress

• ▪Approximately 40% of United States adults report that the cost of gasoline is a major source of stress in their lives.
• ▪Domestic oil prices topped $100 a barrel in late July 2026, pushing average gasoline prices above $4 per gallon.
• ▪About 72% of United States adults say it is extremely or very important to prevent domestic oil and gas prices from rising.

Ceasefire negotiations support

• ▪About 30% of United States adults say the United States should pause military action and seek a renewed ceasefire through negotiations.
• ▪About 70% of Americans say it is extremely or very important for the United States to reach a permanent ceasefire agreement with Iran.

Nuclear weapons prevention priority

• ▪Roughly two-thirds of United States adults say it is extremely or very important to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
• ▪About 80% of Republicans prioritize keeping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, compared to 70% who prioritize keeping gas prices down.

Partisan divisions on military action

• ▪Approximately 37% of Republicans, alongside the vast majority of Democrats and independents, believe the war with Iran has not been worthwhile.
• ▪About half of Republicans say the United States should continue military action against Iran, with MAGA Republicans being much more supportive than non-MAGA Republicans.