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Two-thirds of US citizens demand end to Iran war ‘with or without victory’: Poll

April 2, 2026

More than two-thirds of US citizens are calling for a quick end to Washington’s war against Iran, even if it means ditching its stated goals, a 31 March Reuters/Ipsos poll shows.

The survey of 1,021 adults found that 66 percent support ending US involvement quickly, while just 27 percent favor continuing military operations until all goals are achieved. Six percent did not respond.

Support for prolonging the war remains higher among Republicans than Democrats, though even there, a sizable 40 percent want a fast exit from the war even if their objectives for victory are not met.

At the same time, public opposition to US military action is growing. Around 60 percent said they disapprove of strikes on Iran, compared to 35 percent who support them.

US President Donald Trump told Reuters:

– "I can't tell you exactly [when the war will end] … we're going to be out pretty quickly."

– "They (NATO) haven't been friends when we needed them … We've never asked them for much … it's a one-way street."

– "They (Iran) won't… pic.twitter.com/5GIWonUoDI

— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) April 1, 2026

Economic pressure appears to be a major factor shaping opinion. Gas prices have surged past $4 per gallon for the first time in over three years, with two-thirds of respondents expecting further increases.

More than half said the war will negatively impact their personal finances, including a significant share of Republican voters.

The Ipsos data also points to broader concerns about the war’s consequences. A large majority expressed worry over risks to US troops and the financial burden of continued military operations.

Opposition to deploying soldiers on Iranian soil is particularly strong, with over 75 percent against deployment, while more than twice as many expect conditions in West Asia and within Iran itself to deteriorate rather than improve over the coming year due to the US-Israeli onslaught.

Trump tells nations affected by US-created fuel crisis to 'just take Hormuz'https://t.co/sqDksBpclm

— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) March 31, 2026

With midterm elections approaching in November, the findings point to growing public unease over a costly and expanding war, the fallout from which continues to strain both households and political support in the US.

Previous polling cited in the survey indicates persistent skepticism that the war will enhance long-term US security.

Analyst Aaron Blake, writing for CNN, says that US President Donald Trump’s goals in Iran have been inconsistent and repeatedly shifting, undermining any clear definition of success.

Blake argues that rather than a coherent strategy, the US has cycled through contradictory objectives.

Initial goals included destroying Iran’s offensive missiles, missile production, naval infrastructure, and preventing it from obtaining nuclear weapons.

These objectives were later revised, merged, or replaced – sometimes within the same day – revealing confusion at the highest levels over what the war is actually meant to achieve.

US President Donald Trump, in a recent post on Truth Social, threatens to bomb Iran 'back to the Stone Ages' if the Strait of Hormuz is not 'open, free, and clear.' pic.twitter.com/xopT1msl6t

— The Cradle (@TheCradleMedia) April 1, 2026

Blake suggests this is not just poor messaging but a deliberate lowering of expectations, with early promises of total destruction quietly scaled back to vague aims like “reducing” capabilities.

The result is a war defined by constantly moving goalposts, unclear benchmarks, and a leadership that appears to be improvising its objectives as the conflict unfolds.

Public support for President Trump has steadily eroded as the war on Iran intensifies, with approval ratings hitting new lows amid rising fuel prices, economic strain, and growing fears that the conflict will make the country less safe.

Earlier polling showed a majority of US citizens now oppose the war, linking it directly to worsening living conditions and instability at home.

An early March poll by Drop Site News and Zeteo found that a majority of US citizens believe Trump launched the war on Iran to “cover up” the Epstein scandal, with 52 percent agreeing he acted “at least in part to distract” from it.

The survey also points to broader distrust, with nearly half of respondents saying Trump is more “responsive” to Israel than to US citizens, and half of independents believing he “prioritizes Israeli interests over Americans’.”