New Delhi: A new poll by a multinational market research and consulting firm Ipsos has found that most Americans believe the ongoing US military action in Iran isn’t worth the cost. This comes out as one of the clearest pictures of public sentiment as the war in the Middle East stretches on.
Conducted between 10 and 12 April, the survey shows that 51 per cent of Americans say the decision to take military action in Iran has not been worthwhile when weighing both its costs and benefits. About 60 per cent of the citizens do not approve of US strikes on Iran. In contrast, only 24 per cent believe that it is justified, while 22 per cent remain uncertain.
The survey, based on a nationally representative sample of 1,019 adults, was conducted using Ipsos’ KnowledgePanel, a probability-based system designed to reflect the US population. The data was weighted across demographic factors, including age, race, income, education, and political affiliation.
The numbers suggest a steady erosion of citizen support for the White House as the conflict enters a prolonged phase. Even as military operations continue, including efforts to blockade the Strait of Hormuz and restrict Iranian oil exports, public opinion appears to be tilting more decisively against the intervention.
The data also points to fractures within political groups, particularly among Republicans. While a majority of Republicans, 55 per cent, say the war has been worth the cost, a significant share disagree or remain unconvinced. Around 20 per cent of Republicans say the war has not been worth it, and another 24 per cent say they are unsure, indicating a divide within the party that is less common on other major policy issues.
Also read: Trump’s Iran blockade isn’t just about Tehran, it’s about China
Ripple effect of the war
The poll also highlights the personal impact many Americans say they are feeling. About 54 per cent of them report that US military action in Iran has had a mostly negative effect on their financial situation.
The longer-term costs for the United States are likely to extend well beyond the Middle East. The conflict has already depleted stockpiles of critical munitions, including Tomahawk missiles and Patriot air defence interceptors, raising concerns about readiness in other regions such as Europe and Asia.
At the same time, the ripple effects of the war are being felt across global markets. Sharp increases in gas, oil, and fertiliser prices have strained economies from Southeast Asia to Australia and Europe. Analysts are warning of a broader economic slowdown or even a recession.
Beyond immediate economic worries, Americans are also not optimistic about the broader consequences of the conflict. When asked about the future of Iran, 51 per cent believe the quality of life for people there will worsen over the next year, compared to just 17 per cent who think it will improve.
A similar pattern emerges when respondents consider the stability of the Middle East, with 52 per cent expecting conditions to deteriorate and only 19 per cent anticipating improvement.
Views on long-term US security are also divided but lean negative. Around 41 per cent of respondents think the military action will ultimately make the US less secure, while 26 per cent believe it will improve national security. Another 29 per cent say it will not make much difference either way.
The sentiment survey comes at a time when the Trump administration is already running on a deadline to get congressional authorisation for continued military operations. By 28 April, as per the federal law, US forces will have to withdraw from the region if they don’t get the approval.
(Edited by Ratan Priya)