A series of new polls released in early August 2026 shows that American public opinion has turned decisively against the ongoing war with Iran, with majorities across multiple surveys saying the conflict has not achieved its objectives and is not worth the cost.

Marquette Law School Poll (Aug. 5): Widespread Pessimism

According to a Marquette Law School poll reported by Newsmax, public sentiment on the war is deeply negative:

• 88% of respondents said the United States has not achieved its goals in the war, up from 79% in April.
• 75% said the war has not been worth the cost.
• 81% of respondents reported that gasoline prices had increased over the past six months. Data shows the national average for regular gasoline has risen to approximately $4.08 per gallon, up from $3.16 a year ago.
• Only 30% approved of President Trump’s handling of the conflict, while 70% disapproved.
• 72% said a return to mutual attacks between the U.S. and Iran would make a peace agreement less likely.
• In congressional midterm election voting preferences, Democrats (51%) led Republicans (45%).

Other Polls Confirm Declining Support

Other major polls have similarly recorded falling support for the war:

• Reuters/Ipsos (July 27): Support for the war dropped to one-third of Americans, with 69% of respondents—including 40% of Republicans—saying Trump had not clearly explained the war’s objectives.
• CBS News/YouGov (late July): 75% said the war was going worse than the government had expected, while 58% expressed uncertainty and 57% reported feeling frustrated.
• Washington Post-Ipsos: 68% of Americans said the war was “not worth fighting.”
• Quinnipiac University (July 30): 60% of voters opposed U.S. military action against Iran.

High Gas Prices Drive Dissatisfaction

Sustained high gasoline prices have emerged as a key factor driving public dissatisfaction with the war. According to AAA data:

• Current price: National average of approximately $4.08 per gallon.
• Comparison: This is significantly higher than $3.16 per gallon a year ago and $3.80 per gallon a month ago.

Political Implications

The declining support for the war presents a significant political challenge for the Trump administration and the Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections. With voters expressing frustration over the economic costs of the conflict and the lack of clear objectives, the war has become a liability for the party in power, as reflected in the Marquette poll’s finding that Democrats now hold a narrow lead in congressional voting preferences.