A recent poll published on August 5 by Marquette University Law School, as reported by The Hill, reveals that Americans are more concerned about cost of living and inflation than about the Iran conflict.

Since January, cost of living and inflation have been a top concern for Americans, with 56% ranking these issues as either the "most important" or "second most important" problem. Specifically, 35% of surveyed US adults consider cost of living and inflation the "most important" issue currently. Economic problems follow at 15%, while the Iran conflict ranks third at 10%, its lowest point in three months.

The poll also indicates that only 28% of US adults believe the national economy is in good or excellent shape. Meanwhile, preliminary data from the US Commerce Department, released on July 30 and cited by The Guardian, shows the US economy grew at an annualized rate of 1.5% in the second quarter of 2026, down from 2.1% in the first quarter and below market expectations.

The data suggests that the Middle East war has driven up energy prices, exacerbating inflation and materially impacting the US economy. Analysts also note that rising prices are frustrating Americans ahead of the midterm elections. An earlier survey by Harris Poll found that two-thirds of Americans, including 49% of Republicans, say they lack confidence in the federal government's ability to address high prices.