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Most Americans say US-Israel war on Iran not worth fighting: Poll

Al Jazeera · 2026-10-01

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: A recent poll indicates that approximately 70% of American adults believe the US-Israel war against Iran is not worth fighting, reflecting a five-point increase in disapproval since July. • Why it matters: The poll highlights significant dissatisfaction with President Trump's handling of the conflict and broader economic concerns, with only 17% approving of his management of rising living costs. • What to watch next: As Trump campaigns for the midterm elections, the impact of public sentiment on his electoral prospects and the ongoing economic challenges will be crucial to monitor.

**Title: Majority of Americans View US-Israel War on Iran as Not Worth Fighting, New Poll Reveals**

A recent nationwide poll has revealed that approximately 70 percent of American adults believe the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran is not worth fighting. This marks a five-point increase in disapproval since July, indicating growing public sentiment against the conflict.

The survey, conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, highlights significant dissatisfaction with President Donald Trump's management of the situation. According to the poll, 71 percent of respondents disapprove of Trump's handling of Iran, while 69 percent express that the war has not justified its costs and consequences.

The poll, which included responses from over 2,000 adults across the United States, also sheds light on broader economic concerns affecting public opinion. Only 17 percent of those surveyed approved of Trump's approach to managing the rising cost of living, with just 26 percent expressing satisfaction with his overall economic policies. These figures represent a notable decline in public confidence, suggesting that economic challenges are weighing heavily on voters' minds.

Concerns regarding fuel prices have intensified, with nearly half of respondents expressing significant worry about their ability to afford gas, a rise from 39 percent in July. Additionally, half of those surveyed reported being highly concerned about food affordability, reflecting the economic strain many Americans are currently experiencing.

As Trump embarks on his midterm campaign, aiming to rally support among Republicans, he faces mounting challenges due to voter anxiety surrounding the war and its economic repercussions. The poll results indicate that, despite frustrations with the current administration, two-thirds of Republicans believe that the high prices are primarily due to external factors rather than Trump's policies.

The survey results suggest a troubling landscape for the president, with more than half of respondents feeling that the national economy and the overall condition of the country have worsened since Trump took office in 2025. In a recent interview with TIME magazine, Trump acknowledged the potential impact of the war on his party's electoral prospects, stating, "It’s possible," yet he also claimed that the situation should ultimately benefit him, asserting that "Iran will not have a nuclear weapon."

In response to the unfavorable polling data, Trump dismissed the findings, labeling pollsters as "corrupt" and asserting that the negative results are "fake." He expressed confidence in his ability to outperform any opponent by a significant margin, stating, "I would beat anybody running today by 20 points."

As the political landscape continues to evolve, the implications of public sentiment regarding the war on Iran and economic issues remain to be seen, particularly as the midterm elections approach.

Source: Al Jazeera
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