Polling conducted by CBS News just prior to the recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran revealed that a significant majority of Americans believe the United States should either pressure or engage with the Iranian leadership. As tensions escalated, public sentiment shifted towards supporting military action specifically aimed at preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. This notable change in opinion followed President Donald Trump‘s State of the Union address on February 24, 2026, which appeared to influence the public’s perception of the situation.
As the conflict began, Americans exhibited a divided stance on military intervention. Many expressed uncertainty about the potential duration of the conflict, with a growing number believing it could extend for months or even years. Those who anticipated a quick resolution were more likely to support military action, while those who feared a prolonged engagement tended to oppose it. Overall, a substantial majority favored U.S. economic or diplomatic pressure over military force to address concerns regarding the Iranian regime.
Many respondents indicated that they believed congressional approval would be necessary for any military action. Despite a slight increase in the number of individuals who felt that President Trump had effectively communicated the U.S. position on Iran since his address, a large portion remained unsatisfied with his explanation. Prior to the strikes, Trump’s approval ratings regarding his handling of Iran were slightly higher than his overall approval ratings, although still net negative.
Historically, public perception of Iran, particularly regarding its nuclear capabilities, has been viewed as a significant threat, albeit one that many believe can be managed diplomatically. A CBS News poll from last summer showed a partisan divide, with most Republicans supporting military action during prior U.S. airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities.
Concerns about the U.S. economy further complicate the landscape. Despite President Trump’s optimistic assertions during his State of the Union address, many Americans do not share this sentiment. Expectations for the coming year indicate a potential economic slowdown or even recession, a trend that has persisted for some time. Public perception of the U.S. economy remains predominantly negative, with a large majority believing the president’s portrayal of economic conditions, particularly inflation, is overly optimistic.
This CBS News/YouGov survey, which included a nationally representative sample of 2,264 U.S. adults interviewed between February 25 and 27, 2026, has a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points. The results highlight a critical juncture in American public opinion as the situation in Iran unfolds, reflecting complex views on military engagement, economic stability, and the role of government in foreign policy.
