Americans Sour On Trump

Most Americans remain skeptical about President Trump’s memorandum of understanding with Iran, according to a new CBS News/YouGov survey that found widespread doubts about whether the agreement will achieve its stated goals.

The poll found that 57 percent of Americans believe the conflict with Iran created more problems than it solved, while 21 percent said it solved more problems than it created. Another 21 percent said the conflict neither solved nor created additional problems.

Many respondents also viewed the agreement as an effort to bring the conflict to a close rather than evidence that the administration had fully achieved its objectives. Sixty-six percent said the deal was reached because the White House wanted to end the conflict, while 34 percent believed it was signed because the administration felt it had accomplished its goals.

Americans also expressed significant doubts about whether the agreement has permanently halted Iran’s nuclear ambitions. Nearly seven in ten respondents, 69 percent, said Iran’s nuclear program has not been stopped, while 31 percent said it has. Under the memorandum, U.S. and Iranian negotiators have 60 days to work toward a broader agreement that would address the future of Iran’s nuclear program.

Skepticism extended beyond the nuclear issue. Sixty-eight percent of those surveyed said the United States has not stopped Iran from threatening other countries. Seventy-four percent said the agreement has not made the Iranian people safer or freer, while 79 percent said it has not resulted in Iran’s leadership becoming more aligned with U.S. interests.

Looking ahead, nearly two-thirds of Americans said Iran will likely continue to pose a threat in the Middle East over the coming months. Forty percent said they do not believe Iran will be a significant threat during that period.

When asked who benefits most from the agreement, 41 percent said it was good for both countries. However, 37 percent believed the deal favors Iran, while 22 percent said it benefits the United States more.

Among Republican voters, opinions were somewhat different. Forty-two percent said the agreement is good for both nations, while 39 percent viewed it as more favorable to the United States. Nineteen percent said Iran stands to gain the most.

The survey comes as U.S. and Iranian negotiators continue talks following their initial meeting in Switzerland. While officials from both sides have expressed optimism, challenges remain, particularly as tensions involving Israel and Hezbollah continue to test the broader ceasefire framework.

Mediators from Qatar and Pakistan recently announced progress with the creation of a High-Level Committee that will oversee negotiations on nuclear issues, sanctions, monitoring, and dispute resolution as both sides work toward a possible long-term agreement.

The CBS News/YouGov poll was conducted June 17-19 among 2,519 respondents and has a margin of error of 4.3 percentage points.