Majority of Americans want Iran war to end now, poll finds

Published July 23, 2026 10:21 AM CDT

FILE - Veterans, military family members, and supporters occupy the Cannon House Office Building on Capitol Hill calling upon the Trump administration to end the war on Iran on April 20, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Leigh Vogel/Getty Images for

Most Americans want the war in Iran to end, according to a recent poll conducted by the University of Maryland. 

In fact, most Americans would rather see the war end even without achieving an objective. 

Dig deeper:

The University of Maryland Critical Issues Poll surveyed 1,019 U.S. adults between July 17, 2026, and July 20, 2026. 

By the numbers:

More than half (52%) of all respondents said the U.S. should end the war in Iran right now and any unachieved objectives should be pursued diplomatically. 

Of those respondents, 76% were Democrats, 65% were independents and 23% were Republicans. 

The other side:

Twenty-four percent of all respondents believed the U.S. should continue military action "whenever the White House deems necessary," as long as objectives have not been met. 

Of those respondents, 55% were Republicans, 17% were independents and 5% were Democrats. 

Meanwhile:

The House on Thursday narrowly passed a resolution to halt U.S. military action in Iran, sending a warning to President Donald Trump for the second time as the war has escalated and the future of the conflict is increasingly uncertain.

The 214-208 vote requiring congressional approval for the war comes as the Senate is expected to consider a similar resolution later Thursday morning. 

Though the votes forced by Democrats are largely symbolic, they are meant as a strong signal to the Republican president that his support on Capitol Hill is chipping away as the war drags on and lawmakers in both parties have questioned his administration’s endgame.

Should Iran have nuclear weapons? 

Has the US won the war in Iran? 

The Source: Information for this article was taken from data collected during a University of Maryland Critical Issues Poll between July 17-20, 2026. The Associated Press also contributed. This story was reported from San Jose. 

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