Overview
- A CBS News/YouGov survey conducted March 17–20 with 3,335 adults finds 60% disapprove of U.S. military action in Iran, 57% say the war is going badly, and 68% say the administration has not clearly explained its goals.
- Americans prioritize ending the conflict quickly yet back specific aims, with 73% calling a permanent end to Iran’s nuclear program important, four in five emphasizing freedoms for Iranians, and 53% saying it would be unacceptable to finish with the regime still in power.
- Most respondents expect short‑term economic harm and link the conflict to higher gas prices, reflecting rising pessimism about the U.S. economy.
- Support is highly partisan, concentrated among Republicans—especially MAGA voters—while Democrats and independents largely oppose the campaign.
- Messaging remains unsettled as Trump outlines five war goals and claims progress, the director of national intelligence says Iran was not rebuilding damaged nuclear facilities, and a separate poll reports many voters believe Iran posed no imminent threat.