71% of Americans Want Iran War Ended: Poll
News Desk
WASHINGTON: A recent public opinion poll has found that 71 percent of Americans want the newly elected Congress to pass legislation and take immediate steps to end the ongoing war with Iran, reflecting growing public opposition to the conflict.
According to a four-day Reuters/Ipsos survey, the demand for congressional action was supported by 93 percent of Democrats and 51 percent of Republicans. The war was launched by President Donald Trump in February in coordination with Israel.
In last week’s midterm elections, Democrats secured their largest majorities in the Senate and House of Representatives since 2008. The results were widely interpreted as a public backlash against Trump’s Republican Party, largely driven by rising inflation and opposition to the war with Iran. The new Congress is scheduled to take office on January 3.
The survey also found that 62 percent of respondents supported efforts to repeal tariffs imposed by the Trump administration on imported goods. The conflict with Iran has contributed to a sharp increase in fuel prices, while additional import tariffs have intensified inflationary pressures.
Trump has defended the war, arguing that it is necessary to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. He has also maintained that import tariffs are essential to protecting American industries.
Around 90 percent of respondents said tackling inflation and the rising cost of living should be among the new Congress’s top priorities during its first 100 days. Comparatively, fewer Americans identified artificial intelligence regulation, immigration reform and climate change as immediate priorities.
Americans Divided Over Trump’s Impeachment
Public opinion remains divided over the prospect of impeaching President Trump. According to the poll, 42 percent of respondents believed that impeachment proceedings initiated by the new Congress would harm the country, while 33 percent considered such action beneficial. The remaining respondents were undecided.
Democrats are also divided over how aggressively to challenge the president. While some party members favour impeachment proceedings against Trump or members of his cabinet, others have advocated a more cautious approach.
Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is expected to face impeachment proceedings in the House of Representatives this week following an initiative by a Republican lawmaker.
The survey placed Trump’s approval rating at 32 percent, close to the lowest level of his political career. However, neither major political party enjoys strong public support.
About 45 percent of respondents expressed a favourable opinion of the Democratic Party, compared with 51 percent who viewed it unfavourably. For the Republican Party, 35 percent held a positive view, while 60 percent expressed a negative opinion.
On artificial intelligence regulation, 28 percent of respondents said Democrats offered better policies, compared with 20 percent who favoured the Republicans. The remaining participants either lacked sufficient information to make a judgment or believed neither party had a better approach.
The Reuters/Ipsos survey was conducted online across the United States, involving 1,705 adult citizens. The reported margin of error was approximately two percentage points.
