According to a recent poll by the consulting firm Public First, conducted for the London Defence Conference, more than half of UK residents (53%) now view the United States as a “negative force in the world.” This marks a sharp increase from December last year, when only 35% of Britons held that opinion.
The survey reflects a significant deterioration in attitudes toward the U.S. amid the ongoing conflict with Iran, which began in late February 2026. At that time, the U.S. and Israel launched massive strikes on Iranian military facilities, nuclear infrastructure, and the country’s leadership, including the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on American bases, Israel, and allied targets across the Persian Gulf, leading to regional escalation, civilian casualties, and serious disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
The British public largely condemns U.S. involvement in the conflict. Many respondents expressed concern over economic repercussions (rising fuel prices), humanitarian losses, and the risk of the UK becoming further entangled in military operations. Tensions in transatlantic relations have also grown due to disagreements over London’s role: Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially adopted a cautious stance, although the UK did allow use of its bases for defensive operations.
Political analysts note that this shift in public opinion could influence Britain’s future foreign policy. Some experts link the rising negative assessments to the actions of Donald Trump’s administration, which has taken a hardline approach toward Iran. Earlier, in March 2026, other surveys had already shown increasing disapproval among Britons of the strikes on Iran (with 50–59% opposed) and growing concern about the conflict’s impact on the economy and regional stability.