The Opinion Research poll also found high levels of pessimism about progress in Iraq and of opposition to any military action against Iran.

The poll was released as military leaders reported declining violence in Iraq. President George Bush also insists that U.S. and Iraqi government forces are making progress.

On Iraq, only 31 percent of those questioned now support the war, which has not had majority support since shortly after the invasion in March 2003. About one-quarter believe the United States is making progress, while 62 percent see the war as a stalemate.

A majority of those surveyed, 62 percent, oppose air strikes on Iran, while an even higher percentage, 73 percent, oppose a ground invasion, and 70 percent say they do not want any military action against Iran.

Fifty-six percent say that the United States is not making adequate progress in the war on terrorism.

Opinion Research questioned 1,024 adults last weekend. The margin of error is 3 percent.