Most Americans Say Iran War Is Not Going Well and Fear Rising Gas Prices, CBS Poll Finds
Mar 22nd 2026 · United States
A CBS News/YouGov poll of 3,335 U.S. adults finds most Americans view the Iran conflict as failing, worry it will raise gas prices and hurt the economy, want the regime removed, and still favor a quick end.
- Most Americans say the conflict with Iran is not going well.
- A majority want the war to end quickly while also opposing leaving the Iranian regime in power and prioritizing stopping Iran's nuclear program.
- Rising gas prices have increased concerns about near-term economic weakness and raised recession risk.
- Fewer Americans say the Trump administration has clearly explained its goals, and most view the action as a war of choice rather than necessity.
- Support divides by party: Republicans and Trump supporters largely back the action while Democrats and independents tend to disapprove.
- About half expect U.S. ground troops may be necessary and most think the conflict will last months or years; poll of 3,335 U.S. adults conducted March 17-20, 2026, margin of error ±2.1 points.