Key facts
- 65% of U.S. adults disapprove of President Trump's handling of the Iran conflict, according to an AP-NORC survey.
- 76% of independents and 92% of Democrats disapprove of Trump's Iran policy.
- A framework agreement was signed with Iran to find peace and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- The deal includes provisions to lift sanctions and provide a $300 billion reconstruction fund for Iran.
- Critics expressed concern the deal undermines previous gains and could fund Iran's 'Death to America' aims.
A majority of Americans disapprove of President Trump's handling of the U.S. conflict with Iran, despite his administration's announcement of a tentative agreement to end the war, according to polling data released Thursday.
The Associated Press-NORC survey, conducted after Trump called off threats to escalate the conflict and shortly before he officially signed a framework agreement with Iran, found that 65 percent of U.S. adults disapprove of his approach to the issue. This sentiment was particularly strong among Democrats and independents, with 92 percent and 76 percent, respectively, expressing disapproval, while only 28 percent of Republican respondents viewed his performance negatively.
These figures align with a May survey by the same center, which reported a 64 percent disapproval rating for Trump on Iran. The recent poll also indicated that 30 percent of Republican respondents expressed discontent.
The low approval ratings come as the U.S. and Iran commence a 60-day negotiation period concerning Iran's nuclear program and the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping channel. Trump signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran on Wednesday, signaling a mutual commitment to peace and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil trading route.
The 14-point framework agreement has drawn criticism from some Democrats and Republican members of Congress, particularly concerning provisions that would lift sanctions on Iran and allocate a $300 billion reconstruction fund to the country. Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) voiced concerns that the deal might undermine previous achievements, stating, "The Iranian regime has not renounced its ultimate goal — ‘Death to America, Death to Israel.’ The regime will invest every penny it receives to further that aim." He added, "President Trump has pursued peace through strength. I hope the intermediaries working on this deal are not undermining that objective."
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst (R) also expressed reservations, emphasizing the need to ensure that U.S. taxpayer money would not be used for Iran's rebuilding efforts. "I have to know where that money is coming from because I don’t think my constituents are going to be really happy about it if that’s all U.S. taxpayer dollars," Ernst stated.
President Trump defended his administration's actions and the agreement on Truth Social, asserting, "The War has diminished Iran!" He claimed Iran was "FINISHED" and that Tehran was negotiating out of desperation, stating, "They are FINISHED! We’ll play out the 60 days. They get no money, not ten cents!"
The AP-NORC poll surveyed 3,040 adults between June 11-17, with a margin of error of 2.8 percentage points.