Why is the U.S. embroiled in a sudden war with Iran? For a big chunk of Americans, the answer is 'your guess is as good as mine.'
With gas prices spiking and warnings about travel costs getting higher and even food prices anticipated to increase, almost 68% of respondents in a recent survey by CBS/You Gov believe the Trump administration has not clearly explained the goals of attacking Iran.
What has the president himself said? Trump initially said the goals of the war were to eliminate Iran’s navy and prevent it from producing a nuclear weapon. Many, though, noted it was unclear how much of a clear and present danger Iran posed to the U.S.
The poll about confusion about why we're attacking Iran comes on the heels of another poll, this one by NPR, that found by a 56%-44% margin, respondents oppose the military action.
In that poll, just 36% approved of how Trump is handling Iran, and a majority -- 55% -- think Iran either represents 'a minor threat or no threat at all to the United States.'
And since then, there continue to be conflicting statements from Trump administration officials regarding the goals and timeline and objectives of the war with Iran. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has said it's about wiping out Iran’s ballistic missile program, drone production and the Iranian navy. "He has also repeatedly attacked the media for covering criticism of the war," The Hill reported.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis expressed confusion about the primary objective of the war and the fact 50,000 American members of the military are involved in 'Operation Epic Fury', stating, "I don't know, and I think it's a real problem."
Over half of respondents in the survey believe ending the conflict with Iran quickly is important for the U.S., while many are not confident that the war will be short-lived.