71% of US Voters Say Trump Administration Lacks Plan to End Iran War

Fox News poll finds 60% now call US military action against Iran the wrong decision, while concern over America’s long-term security rises

By Abdullahi Yusuf

Seven months into the US war with Iran, 71 percent of registered US voters say the Trump administration lacks a clear strategy for bringing the conflict to an end, according to a new Fox News poll.

The finding comes as opposition to US military action against Iran reaches a new high in the survey, with 60 percent of voters saying the decision to use military force was wrong, compared with 37 percent who consider it right.

The poll, conducted from September 11 to 14 among 1,211 registered voters, found that 95 percent of Democrats, 83 percent of independents and 43 percent of Republicans believe the Trump administration lacks a clear strategy for ending the conflict. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points.

The latest figures also show growing concern over the war’s longer-term implications for US security.

Forty-seven percent of voters said the conflict would leave the United States less safe in the long run, up from 39 percent in April. Thirty-two percent said it would make the country safer, while 20 percent said it would make no difference.

The increase in concern was largest among White voters, those under 45 and independents, according to the poll.

Opposition to military action rises

The share of voters who consider the US military action against Iran a wrong decision has increased from 58 percent in June to 60 percent in the latest survey.

Those who regard the action as the right decision fell from 41 percent in June to 37 percent.

The shift was recorded across most demographic groups, with the largest changes among Hispanic voters, people under 30, moderates and voters aged 65 and above.

Despite the growing concern, the conflict remains well behind economic pressures when Americans are asked to identify the country’s most important problem.

Only 4 percent named Iran, while 1 percent cited foreign policy generally.

By contrast, 34 percent identified the cost of living as the most important issue facing the United States. (Fox News)

Conflict enters seventh month

The conflict began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran.

A ceasefire and subsequent diplomatic arrangement followed in June. On June 17, the United States and Iran signed the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, which provided for an end to military operations and a framework for further negotiations.

The ceasefire arrangement did not end the military confrontation.

The United States announced in July that it would resume its naval blockade of Iranian ports and coastal areas. US Central Command said the blockade was reinstated on July 14.

US forces subsequently disabled an unladen oil tanker travelling towards Iran’s Kharg Island after, according to CENTCOM, the vessel ignored warnings.

The renewed confrontation has also affected shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy routes. Reuters reported this week that traffic through the strait had fallen significantly amid heightened regional tensions and the US blockade of Iran-related shipping.

President Donald Trump has continued to threaten further military action, while Iranian officials have repeatedly said the country is prepared to respond to attacks.

Nearly seven months into the conflict, the poll records growing scepticism among US voters over the military action and the administration’s strategy for bringing the war to an end.

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