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Story perspectives

War opposition rivals Vietnam, Iraq; gasoline hits $4.39

5/2/2026

27 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Opposition to Iran war has reached levels that took years in Vietnam and Iraq.
61% of Americans call the war a mistake, with under 20% deeming it successful.
Gasoline prices have risen to $4.39 per gallon nationwide, a level weeks earlier.
Operation Epic Fury has cost $25 billion and may total $50 billion due to equipment damage.
Polls show the war raises terrorism risk (61%), recession risk (60%) and weakens alliances (56%).

History

Historical Context

By 1968, Gallup found that 54 % of Americans judged sending troops to Vietnam a mistake, a sharp rise from the 24 % who felt that way in 1965. The growing anti-war movement, involving students, clergy and veterans, pressured the Johnson administration and later prompted Nixon’s troop drawdown beginning in 1969. The Vietnam backlash now informs today’s debate over U.S. involvement in Iran.

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Story summary

Opposition to Iran war has reached levels that took years in Vietnam and Iraq.
61% of Americans call the war a mistake, with under 20% deeming it successful.
Gasoline prices have risen to $4.39 per gallon nationwide, a level weeks earlier.
Operation Epic Fury has cost $25 billion and may total $50 billion due to equipment damage.
Polls show the war raises terrorism risk (61%), recession risk (60%) and weakens alliances (56%).

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