100 days into the war on Iran, Trump fails to rally US support | US-Israel war on Iran News
Continuing Unpopularity of Iran Conflict After 100 Days
As of Saturday, the conflict initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran has reached its 100th day. Despite ongoing fighting and ceasefire negotiations, public support for the war remains low among Americans, posing a political challenge for President Donald Trump and the Republican Party.
Before the conflict began, surveys indicated a significant portion of the American public opposed military action against Iran. According to recent polls, this sentiment has persisted, with many voters viewing the war as unnecessary and harmful to U.S. interests.
“What’s clear is that few Americans believe this war serves American interests,” said Shibley Telhami, a peace and development professor at the University of Maryland who has studied public opinion on the matter.
The lack of support could have serious implications for Trump, especially as Democrats seek to reclaim control of Congress in the upcoming midterm elections. A recent University of Maryland Critical Issues Poll indicated only 16 percent of voters believe the U.S. is winning the war, undermining Trump’s claims of success.
Furthermore, the survey revealed that a majority of Americans, including a notable 33 percent of Republicans, believe the conflict has had more negative than positive effects on national interests. In contrast, only 12 percent of respondents, including 25 percent of Republicans, felt the situation had a more positive impact.
Telhami characterized the findings as “stunning,” noting that a growing number of Republicans view the war as detrimental. “This is a major turning point that spans across age demographics within the party,” he said.
The U.S. and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28, resulting in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior officials, along with numerous civilian casualties. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes and subsequently closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, leading to increased oil and gas prices.
Although a ceasefire was enacted on April 6, tensions have persisted, with sporadic violence continuing in the Gulf. The U.S. has also established a naval blockade, further complicating efforts for a diplomatic resolution.
Polling from the Institute for Global Affairs indicates 58 percent of voters disapprove of Trump’s handling of the conflict, while only 24 percent believe the war is enhancing U.S. safety. The effects of the conflict are increasingly felt domestically, with many Americans citing rising living costs due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Telhami noted that the war is no longer just a foreign policy issue, but a significant economic concern, suggesting it will be a factor in the upcoming election. “It’s a pocketbook issue now,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Trump has downplayed the economic repercussions of the conflict, often citing stock market performance and emphasizing his commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. He has publicly dismissed domestic political considerations, stating, “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation… We cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon.”
However, analysts believe Trump’s detachment from the economic impact may undermine his position. Telhami pointed out that rising oil prices resulting from the war could negatively affect the Republican Party’s prospects in November, potentially resulting in losses in both the House and Senate.
Moreover, some observers have criticized Trump for a perceived lack of seriousness in his role as commander-in-chief, citing his distractions on social media as indicative of his priorities during wartime.
Prior to the initiation of military action against Iran, the Trump administration did not adequately prepare the public or Congress for the conflict, lacking the extensive justification typically seen before military interventions. Unlike prior conflicts, such as the Iraq War, there was little effort to build support for action against Iran.
As the war continues with no resolution in sight, its unpopularity is linked to broader issues like U.S. relations with Israel and rising military expenditures. Analysts suggest that these factors may ultimately influence voter sentiments in the midterms, reflecting a growing public interest in foreign policy matters.
