Most US voters oppose Iran strikes, disapprove of Trump's handling: poll

A majority of American voters oppose the recent US military strikes on Iran and disapprove of President Donald Trump's management of the escalating conflict, according to an NBC News poll released Thursday. The survey found 54% of registered voters disapprove of Trump's handling of the Iran situation, compared to 41% who approve, with 5% undecided. Similarly, 52% of respondents said the United States should not have taken military action against Iran, while 41% supported the decision.

Partisan and Generational Divide

Opinions largely fall along party lines, though the poll revealed a significant split within Republican ranks. Among voters who identify with Trump's Make America Great Again movement, 90% support the strikes, with only 5% opposed. However, among Republicans who do not consider themselves part of the MAGA movement, support drops to 54%, with 36% opposing the action. The survey also showed a clear generational divide, with younger and older voters responding differently in the early stages of the conflict.

Historical Context and Political Implications

NBC notes that historical polling shows public opinion initially supported earlier US military interventions, including the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, before sentiment later shifted. The current disapproval numbers come as Trump, who campaigned in 2024 on ending prolonged overseas conflicts, now finds himself overseeing a major military operation that has already killed nearly 900 Iranians. The poll offers an early indication of potential political consequences as the conflict continues, with a small but notable share of Republican voters expressing unhappiness with the decision to launch military action in the Middle East.