Most Americans say US has not achieved war goals in Iran, survey finds

A recent Marquette Law School poll has revealed that a majority of Americans believe the United States failed to achieve its war objectives in Iran, with 88% of respondents stating the country has not met its goals. This figure represents a seven-point increase from April's poll, while only 12% of respondents expressed belief in achieving its aims. Additionally, 75% of those surveyed deemed the war with Iran not worth the cost, up slightly from 72% in April.

The findings were released amid ongoing negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the five months of hostilities. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that talks are underway between Iran and neighboring Oman, with the aim of allowing more ships to pass through safely in the short term. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the talks are positive and ongoing, with the focus on establishing safe shipping lanes.

Despite the ongoing conflict, around 40% of respondents believed Iran held greater control over the Strait of Hormuz since the war began, while 30% considered the opposite to be true. Prior to the war, the US and Israeli forces launched coordinated air strikes against Iran in February, which Tehran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel and neighboring countries. In response, the US imposed a blockade, effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz.

The poll also found that 72% of respondents felt that the renewed fighting would make a peace agreement less likely, while 28% believed it would make such an agreement more likely. The conflict has driven up energy prices and contributed to inflationary pressures worldwide, with 81% of those polled stating that petrol prices at the pump were "up a little or a lot." Nationwide retail petrol prices now average about US$4.10 per gallon (3.79 litres), up more than 30% since the beginning of the war.

While the war remains deeply unpopular, its standing as the top concern among respondents declined from 24% in April to 10% in July. The poll of 1,076 adults nationwide was conducted last month.