New AP-NORC Poll: Most Americans Disapprove of Trump's Handling of Iran

A new AP-NORC poll shows that most Americans continue to disapprove of President Donald Trump's handling of Iran, even as his overall job approval rating remains unchanged.

The survey was conducted as Trump announced that a deal with Iran had been reached. It highlights the continued unpopularity of the war, which began on February 28, 2026, and the deep partisan divide over the president's foreign policy.

Majority Disapprove of Trump's Iran Policy

According to the poll:

65% of U.S. adults disapprove of Trump's handling of Iran.

Opinions remain sharply divided along party lines.

While overwhelming majorities of Democrats and independents disapprove, only 28% of Republicans express dissatisfaction.

Trump's overall job approval rating stands at 37%, unchanged from the AP-NORC survey conducted in May.

The poll was conducted June 11–17, after Trump abandoned threats to escalate the conflict and resumed negotiations with Iran. During that period, he announced an agreement with Tehran and ordered an end to the U.S. naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. The survey concluded just before the agreement was formally signed.

Some Republicans Also Criticize the Deal

The agreement allows Iran to resume unrestricted oil exports, reopens the Strait of Hormuz without tolls for two months, restarts U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, and requires Iran to dilute its stockpile of highly enriched uranium.

However, not all Republicans support the outcome.

David Farrington, a 79-year-old Republican-leaning independent from Fort Worth, Texas, said he has "no love lost" for Iran but believes the agreement focused too much on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz rather than addressing Iran's nuclear ambitions.

"Any agreement regarding the strait is hardly what I would consider a recognizable concession on the part of Iran. I consider that some fluff that attempts to make this agreement look better when it's not."

Support for Trump's Iran Policy Remains Low

Only about one-third of Americans approve of Trump's handling of Iran, virtually unchanged from May.

Donald McBride, a 28-year-old independent from Plano, Texas, voted for Trump but opposed the war.

"I would like the war to end. The original objective of the war was to end the Iranian regime, and that's just not possible. I don't really know why we'd continue fighting."

Most Americans Want the Conflict to End

The poll indicates that 53% of U.S. adults believe American military action against Iran has "gone too far," down only slightly from 59% in March.

Among Republicans:

About 40% say the military response has been "about right."

37% believe it has not gone far enough.

Meanwhile, Joan Jones, a 64-year-old independent from northwest Florida, believes military action was necessary.

"Those attacks are ultimately to protect us from nuclear attacks. I think we have to go through that and eliminate that worry."

Approval on Israel Is Also Low

Only 34% of Americans approve of Trump's handling of Israel.

The poll comes amid growing tensions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump, as the president has criticized recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon, arguing they risk undermining negotiations with Iran.

James Huffman, a 69-year-old Republican from Ohio, questioned Trump's approach.

"Netanyahu is not going to do everything Trump wants. He's going to do what he wants. I just don't think it's effective."

Economy Remains a Weak Spot

Only about one-third of Americans approve of Trump's handling of the economy, matching last month's results.

Joan Jones believes Trump's economic policies are improving conditions, pointing to heavy tourist traffic and crowded restaurants as evidence of a healthy economy.

"I think President Trump's policies are contributing to a better economy."

However, many Republicans remain dissatisfied.

Only 69% of Republicans approve of Trump's handling of the economy, compared with 78% who approve of his overall presidency.

Patricia Bailey, a 42-year-old Republican from Parkersburg, West Virginia, said rising prices have become a major concern.

"I just said the other night, ordering pizza is for rich people."

Although she voted for Trump, she added:

"He's kind of let me down a little bit. I think he got so distracted with the war that he forgot some old promises."

Poll Methodology

The AP-NORC poll surveyed 3,040 U.S. adults between June 11 and June 17, 2026, using NORC's nationally representative AmeriSpeak Panel. The survey has a margin of sampling error of ±2.8 percentage points.

Source: AP