AGENCIES

Yesterday marked 100 days since the United States and Israel launched their war against Iran. Despite ongoing battles and intermittent ceasefire talks, the conflict remains deeply unpopular among Americans, posing a political challenge for President Donald Trump and his Republican Party.

Polling before the war showed most Americans opposed bombing Iran, and sentiment has not shifted. Many voters view the war as unnecessary and harmful to US interests. “Few Americans think this war serves American interests,” said Shibley Telhami, professor at the University of Maryland, who has tracked public opinion on the conflict.

Experts warn that the lack of support could weaken Trump politically. Democrats hope to capitalize on this discontent in November’s midterm elections, aiming to regain control of Congress and block Trump’s agenda.

A University of Maryland Critical Issues Poll released Thursday found only 16 percent of voters believe the US is winning the war. The majority, including a third of Republicans, say the conflict has hurt American interests. Telhami called the findings “stunning,” noting that skepticism spans both older and younger Republicans — a troubling sign for Trump.

Trump has dismissed concerns about the war’s economic fallout, pointing instead to stock market gains. Telhami argues the president is projecting confidence to avoid appearing desperate to end the conflict, which could weaken his negotiating position. “He cares for a lot of reasons, one of which is legacy, particularly on economics,” Telhami said.

Critics also highlight the administration’s lack of transparency before launching strikes on Iran. Congress was not consulted, and the public was not briefed on the necessity of war, reports Al Jazeera online.

Jonathan Guyer of the Institute for Global Affairs said the conflict resonates with broader frustrations over US militarism, ties to Israel, and a ballooning defense budget projected to reach $1.5 trillion. “The unpopularity of Israel, the unpopularity of the Iran war, the unpopularity of US militarism — these have a lot of resonance,” Guyer noted.

After decades of costly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Americans appear weary of another prolonged conflict. Analysts say this discontent could shape US policy and weigh heavily on Republicans in upcoming elections.