Public Opinion and Foreign Policy

Multiple national polls taken around late February–early March show a plurality or majority of Americans opposed to U.S. strikes on Iran, with support generally only in the mid‑20s to low‑30s percent (e.g., University of Maryland 21% for initiating an attack; Reuters/Ipsos 27% approving), and a steep partisan split — strong Republican backing but broad Democratic and independent opposition. At the same time many Americans remain highly concerned about Iran’s nuclear program yet distrust President Trump’s judgment on military force (only about 3 in 10 trust him in AP‑NORC; Axios finds 56% lack trust), prefer diplomatic or economic pressure and congressional approval, and some international leaders have questioned the strikes’ legality.