President Donald Trump's handling of the conflict with Iran continues to face significant public skepticism, with a recent poll indicating that a majority of Americans believe the military action was a mistake and express little hope for a swift resolution.
According to a Daily Mail/JL Partners poll conducted between July 17 and 20, only 32 percent of voters approve of Trump's management of the war. The survey of over 1,000 registered voters found that 49 percent believe Trump was wrong to initiate military action, which has resulted in the deaths of 17 U.S. troops and injured over 100.
Trump's overall approval rating has seen a slight decline, standing at 44 percent, down from 47 percent in mid-June. Public support for the initial decision to use military force in Iran also remains divided, with 36 percent supporting the action and 41 percent opposing it.
Even among Trump's own voters, support has softened. While 60 percent still believe the intervention was the right decision, this is a four-point decrease from June, with 21 percent now considering it the wrong move.
Public expectations for the conflict's duration are bleak. Fifty-eight percent of voters anticipate that it will take more than a year to reach a deal or are unsure of the timeline. Only 5 percent expect an agreement within a month, and 18 percent believe a deal will be struck within the next three months.
When assigning blame for the conflict's re-escalation, voters are most likely to point to President Trump, with 32 percent holding him responsible, compared to 19 percent who blame the Iranian government.
Support for further military escalation is limited. Voters narrowly back U.S. strikes on Iranian infrastructure, such as bridges and power plants, intended to pressure Tehran into negotiations, with 38 percent supporting such attacks and 34 percent opposing them.
Intensifying Conflict and Casualties
The conflict has seen an increase in U.S. casualties. On July 17, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that two American service members were killed in action in Jordan during defense against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks. Another service member was reported missing in action, and four personnel were medically evacuated. These deaths bring the total number of U.S. service members killed since the war began to 17.
The Pentagon has faced accusations of downplaying the human cost of the conflict, following reports that dozens of U.S. troop injuries from earlier Iranian strikes in Jordan were not publicly disclosed until later. A Pentagon spokesperson, Sean Parnell, has forcefully rejected any suggestion of a cover-up, stating that casualty figures were reported through established channels and that the vast majority of injured service members sustained minor concussions, with approximately 96 percent having since returned to active duty.
President Trump has warned Iran of severe retaliation for any further deaths of American troops, stating on social media that "Every time Iran kills an American soldier, they will pay for that killing many times over!"
U.S. forces have expanded their air campaign with additional strikes against targets inside Iran following the recent service member deaths. CENTCOM reported that U.S. forces are continuing operations against Iranian military capabilities, including missile and drone infrastructure, while Iranian forces continue retaliatory attacks against U.S.-associated targets in the region.
Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Impact
Diplomatic efforts are reportedly ongoing, with mediators including Pakistan and Qatar proposing a ten-day ceasefire to facilitate renewed negotiations between Washington and Tehran. However, no agreement has been announced, and fighting persists.
In Iran, officials have described the situation as a "full-scale war," warning of mounting damage to infrastructure and worsening civilian conditions, including power and water outages and shortages of essential goods. The U.S., however, disputes this portrayal, asserting that its military operations are focused on targeting Iranian military capabilities and protecting U.S. forces and allies, rather than deliberately harming civilians.
Private Isabella Gonzales, 19, was killed in action while serving in the U.S. Army on July 17.
1st Lieutenant Tyler James Feehan, 25, was killed at Muwaffaq Salti Air Base, Jordan, on July 18.
