Republican voters' support for a preliminary peace deal with Iran diminishes considerably as they become more aware of its specific terms, according to a new poll shared exclusively with The Post. Initially, 62% of registered Republican voters backed the deal, but this figure dropped to 32% after they were informed about the details of the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed by President Trump.
After hearing about the MOU's provisions, including the waiver of sanctions to permit Iranian crude oil sales and a 60-day period without new penalties, 44% of Republican voters described it as a "bad deal," while 15% considered it "neither good nor bad." A significant majority, 57%, stated they would be less inclined to support the agreement if it eased sanctions without requiring Tehran to cease funding terrorist proxies or dismantle its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Voter Concerns Over Deal Provisions
Concerns were also raised about potential financial commitments. Nearly half of respondents, 48%, indicated they would be less likely to support a peace deal that promised Iran $300 billion in reconstruction funds, although both President Trump and Vice President JD Vance have suggested a portion of these funds would be used to purchase American agricultural products. Vice President Vance has emphasized that any benefits Iran receives are contingent on its adherence to the agreement.
Furthermore, a substantial 63% of Republican voters expressed a desire for no deal unless Iran surrenders its enriched uranium and dismantles its nuclear facilities. The fate of Iran's nearly 1,000-pound stockpile of highly enriched uranium, reportedly buried following U.S. airstrikes in June 2025, is expected to be a critical point in ongoing negotiations. Both sides are currently discussing the specifics of how Iran will address this stockpile and the terms of inspections for its nuclear sites.
Stances on Regional Conflicts and Outcomes
The poll also revealed divisions regarding Israel's actions and regional priorities. More than half of Republican voters (52%) agreed that Israel should be permitted to attack Hezbollah in Lebanon, even if it jeopardizes a deal with Iran. Conversely, only 30% prioritized reaching a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
President Trump has previously criticized Israel's actions in Lebanon but recently shifted the focus to Iran, warning of severe consequences if Tehran fails to curb Hezbollah's activities. The MOU has been credited with reopening the Strait of Hormuz, although concerns persist regarding potential mines in the channel.
When asked about the outcome of the conflict, 44% of Republican respondents believed the U.S. had won, while 19% felt Iran had gained the upper hand, and 31% considered it a tie or that neither side had won. Similarly, opinions were divided on which party secured a better deal, with 40% stating the U.S. had done better, 36% asserting Iran had won the peace, and 24% expressing uncertainty.
The J.L. Partners survey, which sampled 1,033 registered Republican voters between June 19 and June 21, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. Public sentiment, as reflected in other polls, indicates a general eagerness to conclude the conflict, with a CBS News/YouGov poll finding that 78% of respondents prefer ending the war now rather than waiting for further concessions from Iran.