Americans Voice Concerns Over Iran War As Gas Prices Surge

A new Pew Research Center survey reveals that nearly six weeks into the U.S. military campaign against Iran, the American public is most concerned about rising gas prices as a direct outcome of the conflict. The military action, which began in February 2026, has prompted widespread anxiety about its implications, for the economy and for civilian safety in Iran and the potential for escalated military involvement.

Conducted from March 23 to 29, 2026, the survey included responses from 3,507 U.S. adults and highlighted a stark division in public sentiment. Approximately 69% of Americans expressed concern over higher gas and fuel prices resulting from the war, with 45% stating they were extremely worried. This concern transcends party lines, with 79% of Democrats and 59% of Republicans sharing this apprehension. Yet, Democrats are significantly more anxious about the possibility of the conflict spreading beyond the Middle East, with 68% believing the war will continue for six months or longer.

Amid rising tensions, Dr. Mozhgan Savabieasfahani, an Ann Arbor resident currently in Tehran, described the harrowing conditions on the ground. Speaking by phone, she reported, "Well, I will tell you they’re bombing all around, pretty much every night." Savabieasfahani had traveled to Iran to care for her elderly parents just before the conflict escalated. Her husband, Blaine Coleman, has been vocal against the war at the Ann Arbor City Council, expressing hope that President Trump will declare victory and withdraw U.S. forces immediately.

Trump’s rhetoric has intensified, with alarming statements such as warning that "a whole civilization will die tonight"—a remark that has drawn criticism from various quarters, including Wayne State University associate professor Saeed Khan. He characterized the president's language as "unbecoming of an American president," arguing that it reflects desperation, particularly as several European allies have denied the U.S. military access to their airspace.

In the Pew survey, Americans are divided on whether the U.S. is doing enough to prevent civilian casualties in the conflict. Around 41% believe the U.S. is adequately addressing this issue, whereas 45% disagree, with a notable disparity between party affiliations. A substantial majority of Republicans (65%) feel the U.S. is doing enough, contrasted with 68% of Democrats who believe it is not. Notably, 69% of respondents agree that Iran itself is failing to protect its civilian population.

Public confidence in Trump’s foreign policy decisions concerning Iran has waned significantly. Only 35% of Americans express confidence in his approach, down from 47% in 2024. This decline is particularly pronounced among Democrats, where confidence has plummeted to just 7%. Among Republicans, confidence has also dipped but remains higher, with 66% still supporting Trump’s decisions.

The survey also revealed a divided perception of the U.S. military action's impact on Iran's nuclear ambitions. Responses were nearly evenly split, with 27% believing military action will make Iran more likely to develop a nuclear weapon, another 27% believing it will make it less likely, and 29% feeling it will remain unchanged. Younger Americans and Democrats are more likely to believe the military action will increase the chances of Iran obtaining nuclear capabilities.

As the situation continues to evolve, Savabieasfahani remains committed to speaking out against the war. She stated, "We must stop this atrocity. We are more than this. The American people are more than this." Her words echo the sentiments of many who are deeply concerned about the human cost of the conflict and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy.

In terms of the future, Americans are also divided on the expected outcomes for the Iranian people post-conflict. About 36% believe the Iranian populace will be worse off, compared to 25% who think they will be in a stronger position. This sentiment is particularly strong among Democrats, with 56% expecting negative outcomes for the Iranian people, in stark opposition to 47% of Republicans who are optimistic about the potential benefits of U.S. intervention.

Concerns about military casualties, potential ground troop deployments, and terrorist attacks on U.S. soil also weigh heavily on public opinion. Majorities across both parties express apprehension about these possibilities, with fewer Americans (31%) worried about a shortage of weapons for the U.S. military.

As the U.S. navigates this complex geopolitical situation, the voices of those directly impacted, like Savabieasfahani, amplify the urgent need for dialogue and resolution. With the conflict showing no signs of abating, the American public continues to grapple with the implications of military action on both domestic and international fronts. The Pew Research Center’s findings highlight a populace that is increasingly wary of military engagement and its fallout, underscoring the necessity for policymakers to address these concerns with transparency and care.

The implications of the current war extend beyond immediate military concerns, affecting everything from gas prices to global perceptions of American leadership. As the situation develops, it remains imperative for both the U.S. government and its citizens to engage in thoughtful discourse about the future of U.S.-Iran relations and the broader impact of military actions on global stability.