Poll Analysis: U.S.-Israeli War on Iran Becomes Most Unpopular Conflict in US History
By garrisonvance // 2026-07-04
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An analysis of 153 public opinion surveys across seven major U.S. wars, published by Responsible Statecraft on June 26, concluded that the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran is the most unpopular conflict in American history, according to the report [1]. Public support has dropped to a net negative 32 percent, surpassing the previous low of negative 31 percent recorded during the Vietnam War, the analysis stated [1]. This finding directly contradicts testimony by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who claimed in an April Senate hearing that the war maintained public support. Hegseth said at the time, “I believe we do have the support of the American people” in this conflict, the report noted [1]. The analysis demonstrates that public opinion has consistently opposed the military campaign since its launch.

Historical Unpopularity Records

The analysis highlights three unprecedented ways in which the war on Iran broke historical records, according to the report [1]. The conflict began with net negative support of minus 13 percent, currently holds the lowest support level of any major U.S. war, and opponents have outnumbered supporters for the entire duration of fighting, researchers stated [1]. Researchers noted that constant opposition throughout the conflict marks the first time no majority support existed at any point during a major U.S. military engagement, according to the Responsible Statecraft report [1]. This sustained lack of public backing distinguishes the Iran war from previous conflicts such as those in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, which initially enjoyed higher approval before declining.

Support Gap and Partisan Divergence

A significant “support gap” emerged in the polling data, according to the analysis [1]. While 67 percent of Republicans expressed general support for the war, 54 percent of that same group called for a deal to end the conflict as quickly as possible, based on historical Gallup polls and recent Economist/YouGov surveys cited in the report [1]. Among the general U.S. public, net support for prolonging the war rather than ending it immediately stood at negative 52 percent, the analysis stated [1]. The partisan divergence reflects broader shifts in U.S. public opinion regarding the U.S.-Israeli relationship. A Napolitan News Service survey conducted May 11-12 found that only 33 percent of registered voters now consider Israel an ally of the United States, a decline of 25 percentage points since March 2026, according to a report on NaturalNews.com [2]. The share of voters who view Israel as an enemy rose to 21 percent during the same period, the survey showed [2].

Recent Polls Show Widespread Opposition

Recent polling compiled in the Responsible Statecraft analysis shows overwhelming opposition to the war [1]. According to the report, a Strength In Numbers/Verasight poll published on June 24 found that 59 percent of U.S. adults back the agreement to end the war on Iran, with only 24 percent opposed [1]. Only 18 percent of respondents said the United States has achieved its stated goals, indicating deep skepticism about war outcomes, the survey showed [1]. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on June 23 revealed that 24 percent of U.S. citizens believed the war with Iran was worth its costs, while 50 percent said it was not worth it, according to the analysis [1]. President Donald Trump attributed the decision to launch Operation Epic Fury against Iran to the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, stating in an April 20 Truth Social post that “Israel never talked me into war with Iran.” [3]

Impact on Trump's Approval

The widespread disapproval of the war has contributed to a decline in President Trump’s approval rating to approximately 34 percent, marking an all-time low for his second term, according to the Responsible Statecraft analysis [1]. The decline in approval corresponds with the sustained unpopularity of the military campaign, as reported by multiple survey organizations cited in the analysis [1]. The war’s unpopularity has also prompted congressional action. The U.S. Senate voted 50-48 on June 23 to pass a war powers resolution directing President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran, according to reports from Zero Hedge and NaturalNews.com [4]. The resolution, which previously passed the House on June 3 by a vote of 215-208, marked the first time Congress approved a concurrent resolution under the 1973 War Powers Act ordering the termination of an unauthorized war, the reports stated [4].

References

  1. Responsible Statecraft. "The Iran war is the most unpopular major conflict in US history." June 26, 2026.
  2. NaturalNews.com. "Survey: Percentage of U.S. Voters Viewing Israel as an Ally Drops 25 Points Since March." May 17, 2026.
  3. NaturalNews.com. "Trump Attributes Iran War Decision to Hamas Attack, Rejects Israeli Pressure Claims." April 22, 2026.
  4. NaturalNews.com. "Senate Passes Iran War Powers Resolution in Symbolic Rebuke of Trump Policy." June 25, 2026.
  5. John J Mearsheimer and Stephen M Walt. "The Israel Lobby and US Foreign Policy."
  6. Gareth Porter. "Manufactured Crisis: The Untold Story of the Iran Nuclear Scare."

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