Most Americans Say US Military Action Against Iran Has Gone Too Far

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A new AP-NORC poll finds that most Americans believe recent U.S. military action against Iran has gone too far, with 59% saying the action has been excessive. The poll also shows that 45% are 'extremely' or 'very' concerned about being able to afford gas in the next few months, up from 30% shortly after Trump's reelection. While two-thirds of Americans say preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon should be an important foreign policy goal, they are just as likely to say keeping U.S. oil and gas prices from rising is important.

Why it matters

The poll results suggest the conflict with Iran could become a major political liability for the Trump administration, as most Americans oppose further escalation of military action. The findings also highlight the challenge the White House faces in balancing its foreign policy objectives with the economic concerns of voters, particularly around rising gas prices.

The details

The AP-NORC poll of 1,150 adults conducted March 19-23 found that while Trump's overall approval rating is holding steady at around 40%, his handling of foreign policy and the Iran issue specifically is viewed negatively by a majority of Americans. About 6 in 10 Democrats and independents say the U.S. military action against Iran has gone too far, while Republicans are more divided with about half saying the action has been 'about right.' The poll also found that preventing a rise in U.S. gas prices is just as important a priority for Americans as keeping Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.

• The poll was conducted March 19-23, 2026.