With matters in Iran settling into a fragile holding pattern, a new poll offers fresh insight into how the American people are processing President Trump’s handling of the crisis, and what it reveals about the public mood.

American Pulse Research and Polling conducted the national survey over June 23-25, after the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and the surprise ceasefire that followed. The poll carries a margin of error of plus or minus 3.9 %.

The first image to emerge is that they solidly approve of Trump’s handling of the situation. Fifty-six percent approve of his efforts to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. When asked specifically about the airstrikes, a majority approval still holds, but drops slightly to 54%.

One of the survey’s most telling results is the boost the combined military-diplomatic approach gave to how Americans perceive Trump. Fifty-one percent said his actions have caused them to view Trump more favorably. On the other hand, less than 34% of respondents acknowledged that Trump’s approach to Iran makes them view him less favorably.

The numbers tell a clear story: the American people recognized — and rewarded — Trump’s dual-track strategy with Iran. They saw that he wasn’t choosing between force and diplomacy; he was using both. Trump was applying pressure while still leaving the door open for negotiations — a rare and difficult balance that most leaders can’t pull off.

His challenge was aided by one important factor: the American people understand the stakes. In the survey, 71% of voters — majorities of Republicans, independents and Democrats — believe that if Iran acquires a nuclear weapon, it would use it. That’s not a partisan issue. That’s a red line.

The public is cautious about war, but resolute when it comes to preventing a nuclear Iran. And Trump’s strategy met the moment.

While the survey indicates support for Trump’s actions in Iran, Americans expressed anxiety for safety at home.

When asked about border security and the possibility of terrorism in the United States, 61% agreed that cartels and sleeper cells likely exploited open-border policies.

That is significant because it indicates that Americans harbor deep concerns about the consequences of essentially opening the southern border for four years. The number of immigrants who flooded into the country was so massive, it was impossible to investigate their backgrounds adequately before allowing them entry. As a result, nobody can say that bad actors were not hidden among the millions who swept into the country.

A poll is only a snapshot of the national mood at a particular point. This survey shows Americans have a clear understanding of the danger posed by Iran’s nuclear program. And they understood and supported Trump’s actions to address it, they applauded the ceasefire that has so far limited the conflict, and they support the administration’s practice of “peace through strength.”

Dustin Olson is the managing partner of American Pulse Research & Polling and the founder of the political consulting firm Olson Strategies & Advertising./InsideSources