Most Americans say US action against Iran ‘went too far’, survey finds

Rescuers inspect a wrecked car at the site of a residential building hit in a nighttime attack during the joint U.S.-Israeli military campaign in Tabriz, East Azerbaijan province, northwest Iran, Tuesday, March 24, 2026. AP/Matin Hashemi Most Americans assess that U.S. military actions against Iran went beyond what was necessary. This is what new research from the Associated Press think tank (AP-NORC) shows. The survey also points to growing concern about the price of gasoline in the coming months. The war, led by the United States in partnership with Israel, has entered its fourth week. Even with President Donald Trump’s approval rating stable, the conflict could become a political problem for the Republican government, according to polls. About 59% of respondents say American military action in Iran was excessive. At the same time, Trump has reinforced the military presence in the Middle East, sending ships and troops. Concern about the price of gasoline has increased. Today, 45% say they are very or extremely worried about being able to pay for fuel. In a poll taken shortly after Trump’s re-election, that number was 30%. 📱Download the g1 app to see news in real time and for free Gasoline prices displayed at a gas station on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in Chicago AP/Erin Hooley Despite criticism of the conduct of the war, there is support for one of the government’s main objectives: preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. About two-thirds of Americans consider this goal “extremely” or “very” important. On the other hand, the population also gives similar weight to the need to avoid rising oil and gas prices — which can make government decisions difficult. Trump’s overall approval remains around 40%, unchanged from the previous month. The foreign policy assessment also remains stable, although slightly lower. The president has not yet made it clear what the next steps in the conflict will be. At the same time as he makes threats, he also mentions the possibility of diplomatic negotiations. Even so, there is distrust about Trump’s ability to make correct decisions in the use of military force abroad. Most also oppose more aggressive measures, such as sending ground troops. The US and Israel return to bombing Iranian military targets, despite Trump talking about negotiations to end the war Political division and gasoline prices Keeping the price of gasoline low is one of the few points of consensus between Republicans and Democrats. About three-quarters of Republicans and two-thirds of Democrats consider it very important to stop rising U.S. oil and gas prices. Still, concern varies between groups. Among Democrats, about 60% are very concerned about the cost of gasoline. Among Republicans, this rate is around 30%. The priority of preventing Iran from having nuclear weapons also divides opinions. Although two-thirds of the population supports this goal, support is greater among Republicans: around 80% consider the issue very important, compared to around half of Democrats. The war also reignited debate over Israel’s role in American foreign policy. Only 40% of those surveyed say that containing Iran’s threats against Israel should be a priority. The idea of ​​overthrowing the Iranian government has even less support: around 30% consider this action important. READ ALSO: Flag in dispute: Iranian embassy in Brazil criticizes the X after changing it to an opposition symbol Majority thinks the action was exaggerated Among Democrats, around 90% say that the attacks on Iran went too far. Among independents, there are around 60%. Republicans are more divided. Half consider the US response to be adequate. Only 20% think it should be tougher, while around a quarter think it was exaggerated. Other recent Associated Press polls already indicated that around 60% of Americans believe that Trump exaggerates in different areas of government, such as tariffs and the use of presidential power. The deployment of ground troops faces strong rejection: around 60% are against it, including 80% of Democrats and half of Republicans. Air strikes divide opinions. A little less than half are opposed, while around 30% support and another 30% have no opinion. Distrust about military decisions About half of Americans say they have little or no trust in Trump to make decisions about the use of military force outside the United States. Approval of the president’s foreign policy is 34%, a similar number to that recorded in February. The specific assessment regarding the conduct of the conflict with Iran is 35%. The survey interviewed 1,150 adults between March 19th and 23rd. The margin of error is plus or minus four percentage points.

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