As the U.S. war with Iran nears its five-month mark, a CBS News/YouGov poll of 2,193 respondents shows that over three-fourths believe the Trump administration has faced greater difficulties than expected in managing the conflict. Only 20% of those surveyed felt the war has proceeded about as smoothly as anticipated, and a mere 4% said it has been easier than expected.

The conflict began at the end of February when President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched military operations aimed at eliminating Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities. Trump initially predicted the campaign would last four to six weeks. Early in the war, Trump also urged the Iranian people to overthrow their regime, which has governed the country for nearly five decades.

Despite a brief pause in hostilities following a memorandum of understanding in late June, exchanges of strikes between the U.S. and Iran have continued. Eighteen U.S. servicemembers have died since the conflict began, while U.S. and Israeli strikes have killed thousands of Iranians.

Central Command reported completing its 13th consecutive night of strikes targeting Iranian military assets to reduce threats to civilian mariners and commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in the U.S. has risen to $4.11 as of Sunday, up from under $3 before the war, according to AAA.

Regarding the war's future, 37% of poll respondents believe it will continue for months, more than 20% expect it to last years, 9% think it will end in days or weeks, and one-third remain unsure.

Sources