As Iran war drags on, Americans are bracing for more chaos in Middle East, poll finds

Americans largely anticipate increased chaos in the Middle East as the U.S. war with Iran continues, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. The survey found that those expecting the region to slide toward instability significantly outnumber those who believe the conflict will bring more stability.

Conducted over six days and concluding Monday, the poll revealed that 50% of respondents believe U.S. military action in Iran will destabilize the Middle East in the coming year. This contrasts sharply with the 17% who think the war will lead to greater stability. Another 16% predicted stability would remain unchanged, while 17% were unsure.

Public pessimism extends to economic concerns, particularly regarding gasoline prices. With Iran having disrupted traffic through the vital Strait of Hormuz, 58% of Americans expect gas prices to worsen, while only 15% anticipate improvement. These grim views echo broader anxieties about global stability, including the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the potential for new conflicts elsewhere.

The findings underscore potential political risks for President Donald Trump and other Republicans heading into the November midterm elections. Trump, who campaigned on avoiding "stupid wars," faces a divided electorate on his handling of the Iran conflict. While a majority of Republicans approve of his presidency, fewer than half believe the war will improve Middle East stability. The conflict has already led to Iranian attacks on neighboring countries and shipping, and sparked fighting in Lebanon, though a U.S.-brokered truce has reduced intensity there.

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