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Americans opposed the war,
but aren't sold on peace
24 June 2026
Since the announcement of a peace deal with Iran, Vice President JD Vance has hit the ground hard, leading negotiations for the United States and hitting the media circuit to sell the deal. Gallup polling ahead of the deal announcement showed only 34% of Americans supported the war in Iran, indicating a strong preference to end the war. However, new CBS/YouGov polling shows only 22% of American respondents think the agreement is “better for the US.”
The pros and cons of the deal are being fiercely debated, even within the Republican Party. Yesterday, the US Senate passed a war powers resolution, saying, “Congress hereby directs the President to remove the United States Armed Forces from hostilities within or against Iran” unless the Congress authorises it. Four Republicans crossed party lines to vote with Democrats on the resolution, however, it is largely symbolic. Passing this resolution once a ceasefire is in place may indicate congressional hedging in case hostilities resume.
The shaky Iran deal is facing multiple tests of both public opinion and efficacy. Vance continually notes that this is part of the design, with the two-pathway option and Iran losing all benefits should they break the terms of the agreement. The benefits are significant. Already US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant announced the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil for 60 days and the Wall Street Times reports the United States and Qatar are working together to unfreeze US$100 billion in frozen Iranian assets. This does not even include the US$300 billion for “the reconstruction and economic development” of Iran, more than half of which has already been committed by private companies across five different regions, according to a source.
President Trump told Axios his one wish is to never be “the late, great Herbert Hoover.” Avoiding inflation or a recession ahead of the midterm elections seems to be the lodestar for the president in driving this deal forward. But with 69% of Americans saying the conflict with Iran was “not worth the costs”, the amount of space the administration can place between the war and the midterms may place a decisive role in both the election results and President Trump’s legacy.
Mari Koeck
Director of Engagement and Impact
Lead image: US Vice President JD Vance at a quadrilateral meeting between the United States, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar at Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, on 21 June 2026 (photo by Fabrice Coffrini via Getty).
"Based on this and other major concessions being made by Iran, I have agreed to allow the Hormuz Strait to remain OPEN, with no further Naval Blockade."
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Upcoming event
PUBLIC FORUM
Impact of the Supreme Court rulings on Trump 2.0
Join us for a special event featuring co-host of ABC’s Planet America Chas Licciardello and USSC Honorary Associate Dr Harry Melkonian.
From striking down President Trump’s IEEPA tariffs to undoing core pillars of the Voting Rights Act, the US Supreme Court docket this year has already made history. Some of the most consequential decisions will be released at the end of the court’s calendar, including the future of birthright citizenship in the United States and whether the president can remove leaders of independent federal agencies at will.
Which decisions are most consequential? How can the Supreme Court temper the power of the president? What are the long-term impacts of these decisions?
To discuss the final rulings of this year’s Supreme Court docket, please join us for a special event featuring co-host of ABC’s Planet America Chas Licciardello and USSC Honorary Associate Dr Harry Melkonian in conversation with USSC Director of Economic Security Hayley Channer.
DATE AND TIME
14 July 2026
6.00pm–7.30pm AEST
WHERE
Auditorium, The Michael Spence Building (F23) at the Corner of Eastern Avenue and City Road, The University of Sydney
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