Five months into the US war with Iran, Americans who expect the Middle East to slide towards chaos outnumber those who see the war bringing more stability by three to one, Al Jazeera reports citing a new Reuters/Ipsos poll.

The six-day poll concluded on Monday, as US President Donald Trump again backed away from threatened “massive attacks” on Iran, underscoring uncertainty surrounding a conflict he initially predicted would bring a swift victory.

Fifty per cent of poll respondents believe US military action in Iran will destabilise the Middle East over the next year, about three times the 17pc who said the war will lead to more stability in the region.

Another 16pc say stability will stay about the same, and 17pc say they are unsure or have not answered the question.

Americans are also pessimistic about gasoline prices, which have risen as Iran has choked off traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil supplies. Some 58pc expect gas prices to worsen, while just 15pc expect them to improve.