One month after the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran, the conflict is facing broad public disapproval in the United States, while rising petrol prices are fueling additional dissatisfaction. Polls show clear majorities against the war, yet there is still little political will in Congress to rein it in. The Senate once again failed to pass a resolution aimed at limiting the president’s unilateral war powers; the vote ended 53 to 47 along party lines, with only a few defections.
In the House of Representatives, despite a numerical majority in favor of a similar measure, no vote has been held, as Democratic leadership appears reluctant to force members into taking a clear position. Observers interpret this as a tactical hesitation in light of the war’s unpopularity and the administration’s political weakening. At the same time, a clear strategic end goal for the conflict remains absent, while the administration emphasizes military achievements such as degrading Iran’s capabilities.
Public opposition is pronounced: 61 percent oppose the war, while only 35 percent support it. The president’s overall approval rating has dropped to 36 percent, the lowest of his term. Another poll found that 59 percent of respondents consider the military action excessive. Meanwhile, the administration is sending mixed signals, referring to possible talks with Iran and presenting a ceasefire plan that Tehran has rejected, while simultaneously deploying additional troops to the region.
Within the Republican Party, support for the president largely remains intact, with many leading figures backing the war and expecting it to be short. Strategists argue that short-term burdens such as rising prices may not translate into major political consequences if military success can be demonstrated. Key factors include securing the Strait of Hormuz and stabilizing global oil markets.
At the same time, tensions are emerging over war funding after the Department of Defense requested an additional $200 billion. Some Republican lawmakers have criticized further spending and particularly oppose the prospect of ground troops. Nevertheless, efforts are underway to pass the funding through a streamlined legislative process requiring only a simple majority.
Cracks are also appearing within the president’s support base, as prominent conservative voices criticize the war and question the extent of alignment with Israeli interests. Polls still show high levels of support among self-identified MAGA supporters, although critics note that dissenting voices are increasingly distancing themselves from the movement.
Militarily, the administration has so far relied primarily on air power, keeping US casualties relatively low while failing to achieve decisive progress. Observers warn of a prolonged war of attrition that is becoming normalized in everyday American life. At least 13 members of the US military have been killed during the conflict.
Source: Al Jazeera