Most Americans Disapprove Of Trump's Handling Of Iran, Poll Shows

Though President Donald Trump may have hoped that taking a hard stance against Iran would bolster his support among voters amid the impeachment process, polls show that doesn’t seem to be the case.

A newly released poll from Reuters/IPOS finds that most Americans – 53 percent – do not approve of Trump’s actions regarding Iran following the killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani. Most also said that they believe war is around the corner.

Perhaps just as significant, a growing number of Americans said they “strongly disapprove” of Trump’s actions. That figure rose 10 percent since December, with 39 percent now believing that his handling of Iran has been a disaster.

By comparison, less than one-in-three Americans said they either “strongly” or “somewhat” approve.

It should come as no surprise to learn that, when it comes to partisan lines, there is deep disagreement along party lines. An overwhelming number of Democrats – nearly 90 percent – are critical of Trump on Iran, while only one-in-10 Republicans are. Independents, a highly sought after voting group in the coming elections, are roughly split in half on Iran.

These findings represent the skepticism shared by many Americans over Trump’s reasoning behind ordering the airstrike against Soleimani. Critics have questioned whether the airstrike was excessive and needlessly antagonistic. They’ve also questioned the legality of the military action, with some Democrats on the Hill having said that they were not consulted before the strike – something that, at best, places the military action on questionable legal ground.

Officials in the Trump White House have claimed that Soleimani was preparing to carry out a terrorist attack that would target Americans, though evidence to support this has yet to be shared with the public.

Following Soleimani’s death, Iran vowed swift revenge. On Tuesday, missiles launched by Iran targeted two military bases in Iraq occupied by U.S. forces, but no casualties were reported.

Now, Trump is weighing his options: Should the U.S. launch missile strikes against targets in Iran? Should Iranian oil tankers be seized? This decision could ultimately either push the U.S. into war or pull it back from the brink.