A new Reuters survey reveals that nearly four out of five Americans—79 percent of respondents—believe the U.S. military will remain entangled in the conflict with Iran for an extended period, a sharp increase from 65 percent who said the same in March. The polling, conducted July 10-12 among 1,019 U.S. adults, underscores growing public pessimism as renewed military operations between Washington and Tehran escalate.
Only 18 percent of those surveyed think the war will end quickly, within weeks. The partisan divide is stark: 91 percent of Democrats anticipate a prolonged engagement, compared to 69 percent of Republicans. Overall approval for the U.S. military strikes against Iran stands at just 37 percent, reflecting deep unease even as the administration signals continued action.
The survey follows fresh exchanges of fire in the Middle East, triggered by President Trump’s announcement that the U.S. would reimpose a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and charge a 20 percent toll on all cargo vessels passing through the critical waterway. In a Truth Social post, Trump declared the U.S. would be known as “THE GUARDIAN OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT” and demand reimbursement for security costs.
However, Trump reversed course just hours later, writing that the toll would be replaced by trade and investment deals in the Gulf, which he described as “MASSIVE but, at the same time, extraordinarily good for them, and their future.” The abrupt about-face came after the Iranian and U.S. militaries exchanged fire early Tuesday, marking a new chapter in the volatile standoff.
The polling data aligns with broader anxiety about the nation’s direction. A separate survey, released last week, found 95% of Americans believe the country is in an affordability crisis, with war costs driving prices higher. The prolonged conflict in the Middle East is increasingly seen as a drag on the economy and a source of bipartisan frustration.
Trump’s shifting strategy on the Strait of Hormuz has drawn criticism from both sides of the aisle. The president had earlier threatened renewed strikes and warned of the blockade’s return, but the rapid policy reversal has left allies and adversaries uncertain about U.S. intentions. The administration now appears to be pivoting to a softer approach, emphasizing economic incentives over military coercion.
The Reuters poll carries a margin of error of approximately 4 percentage points. As the conflict drags on, the data suggests that Americans across the political spectrum are bracing for a long and costly engagement, with little confidence in a swift resolution.
