Americans have learned the hard way that open‑ended wars without clear goals hemorrhage public support. The new Iran campaign is tracking that pattern. In the first 72 hours after the February 28 strikes, a Reuters/Ipsos survey found just 27% approval and 43% disapproval of the U.S. attacks; a majority either opposed or sat uneasily on the sidelines. Two weeks later, Ipsos reported disapproval in the high 50s, with 85% worried about risks to U.S. service members and broad opposition to any ground invasion. Pew’s March readout likewise found majorities saying striking Iran was the wrong decision and disapproving of President Trump’s handling of the conflict. Those numbers echo the worst periods of Iraq and Vietnam, when Gallup’s “mistake” majorities peaked around 60% in 1971–73 for Vietnam and 63% in 2008 for Iraq. The public is consistent on one thing: if Washington can’t explain the mission, they won’t bless the war. (Reuters/Ipsos via Ipsos, Feb 28–Mar 1, 2026; Mar 13–15, 2026; Mar 1...

The recent Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll reveals a stark reality: 61% of Americans now believe that the U.S. military action against Iran was a mistake, with fewer than 20% considering the actions successful. (washingtonpost.com) This level of disapproval mirrors the public sentiment during the most tumultuous years of the Iraq and Vietnam wars.

The administration's decision to engage militarily with Iran was predicated on objectives such as halting Iran's nuclear program and achieving regime change. However, these goals remain unfulfilled. Instead, Iran has gained tacit control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil passage, leading to severe economic disruptions and soaring oil prices. (theatlantic.com)

Domestically, the conflict has had pr...

The American public has spoken with resounding clarity: President Donald Trump's military aggression against Iran is a catastrophic misstep, echoing the profound disapproval witnessed during the darkest days of the Vietnam and Iraq wars. A Washington Post-ABC News-Ipsos poll reveals that 61% of Americans deem the use of force against Iran a mistake, with fewer than 20% perceiving any success in these actions. (washingtonpost.com) Similarly, a Pew Research Center survey indicates that 61% disapprove of Trump's handling of the conflict, and 59% believe the decision to engage militarily was wrong. (pewresearch.org)

This overwhelming opposition is not merely a reflection of war fatigue but a damning indictment of an administration that prioritizes imperialistic end...