A new CNN poll shows most Americans are not on board with the US strikes in Iran and think the conflict could drag on for a long time.
The survey, conducted shortly after the weekend attacks by the US and Israel, shows that distrust in President Trump’s handling of the situation is widespread.
Overall, 59% of Americans disapprove of the initial decision to strike Iran. Only 41% approve. Strong disapproval, at 31%, almost doubles strong approval, which sits at 16%. Just over a quarter, 27%, think the US tried hard enough at diplomacy before using force. Another 39% say not enough was done, and 33% are unsure.
The poll shows most Americans don’t trust Trump to make the right calls on Iran. About 60% say he doesn’t have a clear plan, and 62% feel he should get Congress’s approval before taking further action. Only 12% would support sending US ground troops to Iran, while 60% oppose it, and 28% are unsure.
Most Americans, 56%, see long-term conflict with Iran as at least somewhat likely. A quarter of them even say it’s very likely. Trump himself downplayed the length of the conflict, telling CNN, “I don’t want to see it go on too long. I always thought it would be four weeks. And we’re a little ahead of schedule.”
CNN’s Jake Tapper, after conducting a phone interview with President Trump: “‘We’re knocking the crap out of them. I think it’s going very well. It’s very powerful. We’ve got the greatest military in the world, and we’re using it.”
“I asked the president how long he thought this… pic.twitter.com/FjLTp9cblW
— RedWave Press (@RedWavePress) March 2, 2026
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Even among Americans who approve of the strikes, many are skeptical that it will make the US safer. Just 28% believe the attacks will reduce Iran’s threat. Meanwhile, 54% say the strikes could make Iran more dangerous.
Republicans are far more supportive than other groups. 77% of Republicans approve of the strikes, compared with 32% of independents and just 18% of Democrats. Republicans are also more likely to think the strikes will reduce Iran’s threat (58% vs. 21% of independents and 9% of Democrats).
About 83% of Republicans believe Trump has a clear plan for handling the situation. Independents and Democrats are skeptical, with 70% and 88% doubting the president’s strategy, respectively.
The GOP is not completely unified. Republicans are evenly split on whether the strikes will lead to long-term conflict (44% say yes, 44% say no). They also show mixed feelings about sending ground troops: 27% support it, 38% oppose it, and 35% are unsure. MAGA Republicans are much more likely than non-MAGA Republicans to approve of the strikes strongly, trust Trump’s decisions, and believe the actions will reduce Iran’s threat.
Featured image via YouTube screengrab
