Since the breakdown of US-Iran negotiations in 2026 and subsequent military actions of the United States in the following months, the war in Iran has become very pressing topic around the world. From what the polls have shown, most Americans either strongly or somewhat disapprove with the US attacks on Iran. An article by Reuters discussing the topic states:
“Some 27% of respondents said they approved of the strikes, which were conducted alongside Israeli attacks on Iran, while 43% disapproved and 29% were not sure.”
Many Americans are concerned that our president ignored the checks and balances and failed to acquire Congressional approval before bombing Iran. When questioned as to his concerns regarding the conflict in Iran, Westminster Freshman Bariedoora Ika states:
“I feel concerned about the power imbalance between congress and the president. Trump bombing a country without adequate reasoning or approval from congress ignores the checks and balances that were written in the Constitution to ensure America stays a democracy. Trump bombing Iran is not only blatantly ignoring the Constitution but also reveals how Trump is a danger to America and democracy.”
Furthermore, members of the US military have mixed opinions as to America’s role in the war and the possibility of their deployment. However, many veterans and current service members alike choose to trust that their country will power through this conflict unscathed. In a PBS News interview, a veteran named Edward Bauman explains why he still continues to have faith in the United States to choose to do what is best in this situation:
“My takeaway is there had to have been some reason for him to bomb them. I don’t think he would have just went out of his way to just, ‘I’m going to bomb these people. It’s not going to be another Afghanistan. It’s not going to be another Iraq. We’re not going to go in and try to occupy them.”
After the initial missile launches, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the conflict “is not endless” even as he warned that more American casualties are likely in the weeks ahead. The division of the American public will be a major aspect of this conflict in the months to come, as the country becomes deeply polarized by foreign aid and direct military involvement. As this conflict continues to evolve and we secure more concrete information about the war the tension is only going to increase.
