Public Opinion Shifts Against Military Action

New polling suggests Americans are unusually skeptical of the US attacks on Iran. Several surveys conducted in the first days after the strike show support ranging from about 27% to roughly 50%, meaning most Americans oppose the action or remain undecided. That level of support is far lower than what the country historically showed at the start of major conflicts. After the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, 97% of Americans supported entering World War II. Following the September 11th attack, support for the war in Afghanistan reached 92%. Even the Iraq War, which later became deeply unpopular, began with a 76% approval rate. Political scientists say the difference reflects a more polarized country and a public shaped by two decades of Middle East war. Without the traditional rally-around-the-flag effect, presidents today may find it far harder to build an early public consensus for military action.