Poll: Americans 3x More Likely to Oppose Candidates Who Backed Iran War

A YouGov poll conducted on the eve of the US midterm elections has found that American voters were three times more likely to oppose candidates who supported the war on Iran than to back them. The survey, released on Monday, showed that 44% of respondents were less likely to support a candidate who backed the war, while only 13% were more likely. Another 26% said the war would not make much difference to their vote.

Economic concerns also played a significant role, with 56% saying the US should prioritise avoiding higher domestic prices over achieving military goals in Iran. Just 22% believed the opposite. The poll also found that a majority, 53%, think Congress should have the final say on when the war ends, compared to 29% who said the president should decide.

The poll was completed just before the November 3 midterms, which saw Democrats win majorities in both chambers of Congress. Analysts say the results may influence how lawmakers approach the war and US foreign policy. Jonathan Guyer, programme director at the Institute for Global Affairs at Eurasia Group, which commissioned the survey, said the numbers show the public wants Congress to play a bigger role in decisions about military action.

The war between the US, Israel and Iran has been ongoing since late February and has killed thousands of people in Iran, according to reports. It has also contributed to rising prices, a top concern for voters. For Gulf countries, the conflict has heightened regional tensions and raised questions about energy supplies and security.

Guyer added that foreign policy and US support for Israel are likely to become key dividing lines in future elections, including the 2028 presidential race. The YouGov survey is the latest to highlight the war's unpopularity among the American public.