Key facts
- A CBS/YouGov poll shows 37% of Americans believe the US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) is better for Iran.
- 22% of respondents believe the MOU is better for the U.S., and 47% think the benefits are equal.
- The MOU reopened the Strait of Hormuz, initiated the removal of U.S. sanctions on Iran, and ensured a ceasefire in Lebanon.
- 66% of respondents believe the Trump administration signed the MOU to end the conflict.
- Iran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz in response to alleged Israeli fire on Hezbollah.
- President Trump warned of strong retaliation if Iran does not resolve the conflict in Lebanon.
A recent CBS/YouGov poll reveals that over a third of Americans believe the US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) is more advantageous to Iran. The survey, released on Sunday, found that 37 percent of respondents hold this view, compared to 22 percent who believe it benefits the U.S., and 47 percent who see equal benefits for both sides.
The 14-point agreement initially aimed to de-escalate tensions by reopening the Strait of Hormuz, initiating the removal of U.S. sanctions on Iran, releasing Tehran's frozen funds, and establishing a ceasefire in Lebanon. A significant majority of those polled, 66 percent, believe the Trump administration pursued the MOU with the primary goal of ending the conflict.
As the ongoing 60-day negotiation period progresses, concerns about a potential resurgence of conflict are mounting. Iran has stated that Israeli fire on Hezbollah in Lebanon constitutes a violation of the agreement and has warned of retaliatory action, including closing the Strait of Hormuz. In response, President Trump issued a threat to strike Iran forcefully if the conflict in Lebanon is not resolved.
The survey also highlighted public sentiment regarding the conflict's resolution, with 78 percent of Americans expressing a desire to end it. However, a substantial portion of respondents expressed skepticism about the U.S.'s effectiveness in managing Iran's regional threats and nuclear program. Specifically, 68 percent believe the U.S. has not successfully prevented Iran from threatening other countries, and 69 percent feel the U.S. has not permanently halted Iran's nuclear program. Looking ahead, 59 percent of participants anticipate that Iran will likely threaten its neighbors in the region within the coming months.
The current conflict has already led to strikes by Tehran on Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and other nations hosting U.S. assets. The CBS/YouGov poll surveyed 2,519 U.S. adults between June 17 and June, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.4 points.