A new national poll suggests that a majority of Americans remain uncertain about President Donald Trump’s memorandum of understanding with Iran, with many questioning whether the conflict that preceded the agreement ultimately achieved its objectives.
According to a CBS News/YouGov survey released Sunday, voters are expressing significant skepticism about both the recent conflict and the framework agreement intended to guide negotiations toward a final deal between Washington and Tehran.
The poll found that 57 percent of Americans believe the conflict with Iran created more problems than it solved. By comparison, 21 percent said the conflict solved more problems than it created, while another 21 percent said it neither solved nor created additional problems.
The findings point to a public that remains wary of overseas conflicts and uncertain about whether military confrontations lead to lasting solutions. While negotiations are continuing, many respondents appear unconvinced that the costs of the conflict have been outweighed by tangible gains.
Americans also offered their views on why the agreement was reached in the first place. Sixty-six percent of respondents said they believe the memorandum was negotiated primarily so the Trump administration could bring the conflict to an end. Just 34 percent said they believe the agreement was reached because the administration felt it had already accomplished its goals.
The survey also found widespread doubt regarding one of the administration’s central objectives: preventing Iran from maintaining a nuclear program. Nearly seven in ten respondents, or 69 percent, said the United States has not succeeded in stopping Iran’s nuclear program, while 31 percent said it has been stopped.
Under the memorandum of understanding, the United States and Iran have 60 days to negotiate a final peace framework and determine the future of Iran’s nuclear activities.
Respondents expressed similar skepticism on several other fronts. Sixty-eight percent said the United States has not stopped Iran from threatening other countries. Seventy-four percent said the agreement has not made the Iranian people safe and free, while 79 percent said it has not resulted in Iranian leaders becoming more pro-American.
Concerns about regional stability also remain high. Nearly two-thirds of Americans surveyed said Iran will probably or certainly continue to pose a threat to the Middle East in the coming months. Forty percent said Iran likely or certainly will not threaten the region.
When asked who benefits most from the agreement, respondents delivered mixed verdicts. Forty-one percent said the deal is good for both the United States and Iran. However, 37 percent said the agreement is better for Iran, while only 22 percent said it is better for the United States.
Among Republicans, views were somewhat different. Forty-two percent of Trump supporters said the agreement is good for both countries. Another 39 percent said the deal favors the United States, while 19 percent said it benefits Iran more.
Meanwhile, negotiators from both countries expressed optimism following talks in Switzerland over the weekend. Despite that progress, challenges remain. Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and retaliatory actions by the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah have added fresh uncertainty and raised concerns about the durability of the broader ceasefire arrangement.
Qatar and Pakistan, which have served as intermediaries between Washington and Tehran, announced progress through the creation of a “High Level Committee.” According to the two countries, senior negotiators will regularly report to the committee and oversee working groups focused on nuclear issues, sanctions, monitoring, dispute resolution, and other matters related to implementing the memorandum of understanding.
The CBS News/YouGov poll was conducted June 17 through June 19 and surveyed 2,519 respondents. The survey carries a margin of error of 4.3 percentage points.
