Americans are increasingly bleak about their own finances, most say using the US military against Iran was a mistake: ABC News/Washington Post/Ipsos poll

Key Points:

• Americans are increasingly pessimistic about their financial situation, with 40% saying they are worse off than when Trump became president in 2025, and nearly a quarter reporting they are falling behind financially amid rising gas prices linked to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
• A majority of Americans (61%) believe using military force against Iran was a mistake, with concerns about increased terrorism risks, economic recession, and weakened alliances; Democrats and independents largely oppose military action, while most Republicans, especially MAGA supporters, back it.
• Public opinion is divided on peace negotiations with Iran, with 48% favoring a peace deal even if unfavorable to the U.S., and 46% preferring to push for a better deal through continued military action; confidence that any agreement will prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons remains low.
• Most Americans, including a slim majority of Republicans, reacted negatively to former President Trump’s social media post threatening Iran, and over two-thirds say his current actions on Iran contradict his 2024 campaign stance against foreign wars.
• Opposition to reinstating the military draft is strong across all demographics, with 85% against it; opinions are split on whether women should be included in the draft, with 43% in favor and 54% opposed, reflecting little change from polls conducted over four decades ago.