Voters Skeptical of Iran Deal
Trump Administration Pushes Unpopular Iran Deal Ahead of Challenging Midterm Elections
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President Trump is pushing hard to sell an Iran deal that most Americans do not want. Polls show 60% of voters think the war was not worth it, and 59% are not confident the deal will hold Fresno Bee.
The centerpiece of Trump's pitch is a plan called "U.S. Food-for-Funds." Under it, Iran must use unfrozen assets to buy American wheat, soybeans, and corn. But Iranian officials say that is simply not true — creating a sharp public split over what the deal actually says Sun Herald.
The Islamabad Memorandum and What It Actually Says
The deal, called the Islamabad Memorandum, was signed on June 17, 2026. It ended a four-month conflict known as the 2026 Iran War. It set up a ceasefire and reopened the Strait of Hormuz. The war began on February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched "Operation Epic Fury," killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Star-Telegram.
The deal also unfroze billions in Iranian assets held abroad. Trump's team says Iran must spend that money on U.S. farm goods. Trump said, "we're going to be taking some of their money and we'll spend it... buying wheat and soybeans. It's going to be very big" Sacramento Bee. But Iran's Central Bank Governor Abdolnasser Hemmati says there is "no requirement to purchase agricultural inputs from America" Idaho Statesman.
Trump Courts Farmers With $11 Billion Promise
On June 25, Trump hosted a Rose Garden dinner for farmers. He asked Congress for $11.1 billion in new farm aid. He called the Iran deal a "windfall" for American agriculture. Vice President J.D. Vance, who led talks in Switzerland, said: "If Iranian assets are ever unfrozen, they are going to make American farmers richer" Tri-City Herald.
The pitch targets a key voting bloc in trouble. Trump's approval in rural areas dropped from 60% in early 2025 to 50% in June 2026, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling BND. Farmers have been squeezed by high fuel and fertilizer costs driven up by the war. Fourth-generation farmer Jeff Tyson put it plainly: "There's no joy left in this farm" Herald Sun.
Gas Prices Down, But Consumer Confidence Still Weak
One real win for the White House: oil prices. During the war, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz and crude spiked past $120 per barrel. Since the deal, prices have fallen below $80 per barrel Mahoning Matters. That has helped lower gasoline prices for American drivers.
Still, gas costs about $1.00 more per gallon today than one year ago. Consumer morale has been slow to recover. Economic analyst Ron Insana called the agreement "done on the back of a napkin," questioning whether the U.S. can really force a sovereign nation to buy specific American goods The State.
Critics Warn Deal May Not Survive Past November
Experts say the Islamabad Memorandum leaves big issues unresolved. Nuclear enrichment talks are pushed to a 60-day follow-on period. Michael Froman of the Council on Foreign Relations warns this could produce a "hollow peace" — a deal that looks good on paper but falls apart quickly Fresno Bee.
Some critics argue the unfrozen funds are dangerous regardless of the food mandate. Even if Iran buys U.S. grain, it can redirect other money to rebuild its military or fund allies like Hezbollah. The 2026 Iran War killed 1,500 Iranian civilians and 13 U.S. service members. With midterm elections in November, the White House needs the deal to hold — at least long enough to matter at the polls Sacbee.
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